IndyStar wins 7 APSE awards, Nate Atkins, Kyle Neddenriep take firsts

IndyStar's Nate Atkins and Kyle Neddenriep won first place in the 2023 Associated Press Sports Editors contest.

Atkins was named the top beat writer in Division B for his coverage of the Colts based on a profile of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, his coverage of Richardson suffering a brain injury against the Houston Texans, an exclusive on Michael Pittman Jr.'s call for a bigger role in the offense, a profile of receiver Josh Downs and an in-depth look at the fractured contract negotiations between the team and running back Jonathan Taylor.

Neddenriep took first in the short feature category for his story on Martinsville High School football player Brandon Kent dealing with the death of his 5-day-old sister.

Five IndyStar reporters have taken first place in four categories over the last two years.

IndyStar took seven total APSE awards and has won 55 since 2016; only the Washington Post and New York Times have won more.

IndyStar took fourth in event coverage for the Indianapolis 500, thanks to the work of Nathan Brown, Gregg Doyel, Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Zach Osterman, Rob Peeters and Clark Wade. IndyStar's 500 coverage has placed in the top 10 of the category all three years it has been given.

Hunsinger Benbow took ninth in breaking news for her coverage of the Indianapolis Indians deciding to keep their nickname, and Grace Hollars 10th in action photo. Jenna Watson was also recognized for her video "More than a Race" on the Indianapolis 500, and IndyStar took a top 10 for its print edition.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyStar wins 7 APSE awards, Nate Atkins, Kyle Neddenriep take firsts