Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) – the leading organization of professional outdoor media communicators in the western region – recently recognized 14 recipients in their annual Excellence in Craft Awards.
The awards program acknowledges distinction and professionalism in reportage of outdoor recreation, sports and travel, in both news and feature categories; in the print, web and broadcast media. Entries must have been published or aired during the prior calendar year, and are subsequently judged by a panel of media professionals and editors.
Highly regarded in the industry, the EIC awards were presented at the OWAC conference in Visalia, hosted by Visit Visalia, where attendees also enjoyed workshops, outdoor activities and camaraderie.
Castro Valley’s Matt Johanson was recognized as OWAC Writer of the Year for his “outstanding body of work,” including two first place awards for Best Outdoor News Article and Best Conference-Related Work, and a second-place win for Best Audio & Video, according to OWAC Executive Director Bob Semerau.
Johanson writes about the outdoors for numerous California newspapers and magazines. He has authored six books, including “Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Giants Baseball,” “Yosemite Adventures: 50 Spectacular Hikes, Climbs and Winter Treks” and “Sierra Summits: A Guide to 50 Peak Experiences in California’s Range of Light.” He also teaches social studies and advises an award-winning student newspaper at Castro Valley High School.
Other awards went to:
· Best Outdoor News Article
First Place: Matt Johanson - These Black Californians blazed trails in the outdoors
Second Place: Bob Semerau – Bluefin Bite goes limit-style on Fortune Charter
· Best Outdoor Feature Article
First Place: Jody Martin - The Stars In Our Eyes
Second Place: John Poimiroo - Cycling California’s Royal Road
· Best Outdoor Photograph/Artwork – People
First Place: Phil Reedy - Lesson from Grandpa
Second Place: John Williamson - Spenker Family Farm
· Photography/Artwork – Nature
First Place: Nancy Sorrells - Red-eyed Tree Frog
Second Place: Mercedes Lilienthal - Stunning Alaska and 2024 Alcan 5000 INEOS Grenadier Vehicle
· California Conservation Article
First Place: Chuck Graham -Fly, Eagles Fly
Second Place: Barbara Steinberg - California Rambling: Wildflowers adorn California landscapes
· OWAC Conference-Related Work
First Place: Matt Johanson - Rafting the Tuolumne
Second Place: Barbara Steinberg - California Rambling: International Sportsmen’s Expo Sacramento 2024 is more than you imagine
· Audio & Video
First Place: Lara Kaylor - CaliforniaFallColor.com
Second Place: Matt Johanson – Adventures of Detour: A Pacific Crest Trail Journey
Complete list: https://owac.org/excellence-in-craft-awards-2025-winners-announced
