Each year, the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA) hosts the Jim Nantz Award and All-America program honoring the top student sports broadcasters. On Friday, May 31, 2024 STAA announced its 2024 award winner and All-Americans over social media and YouTube, sharing a list that included Ithaca College students Rheanna DeCrow '25 (Second-Team), Eli Fishman '25 (Honorable Mention) and Cam Manna '25 (Honorable Mention). The full list of student sportscasters honored can be viewed here. The 2024 STAA All-America and Jim Nantz Award announcement presentation is posted to YouTube.
STAA started presenting the Jim Nantz Award in 2009. Previous Ithaca College students honored as All-Americans include Max Tanzer '23 (2023 Honorable Mention), Dan Budick '17 (2016 & 2015 Honorable Mention), Mia O'Brien '15 (2015 #10, 2014 Honorable Mention), Gavin Cote '12 (2010 Honorable Mention) and Nate March '11 (2010, Honorable Mention).
All STAA award applicants must be enrolled in a two year or four year college or university in the United States as of February 1, 2024. The Jim Nantz Award winner receives the Jim Nantz Trophy and the next five highest ranked applicants are named All-Americans. STAA also names a second-team, third-team and honorable mentions. To be considered, applicants must submit a 10-to-15-minute reel showcasing any of the following broadcast talets: play-by-play, sports update anchoring (radio), studio anchoring (television), reporting, interviewing, sports talk show hosting or podcasting.
This year's team of judges included Josh Appel (2016 Nantz Winner), Tom Boman (Learfield), Drew Carter (2019 Nantz Winner), Adam Cavalier (2009 Nantz Winner), Jon Chelesnik (STAA), Howard Deneroff (Westwood One), Kevin Fitzgerald (2014 Nantz Winner), Eric Gallanty (2015 Nantz Winner), Nate Gatter (2017 Nantz Winner), Ross Lippman (2013 Nantz Winner) and Bill Spaulding (2012 Nantz Winner).
