ORLANDO, Fla. – At their annual conference last week, College Sports Communicators – the national association for athletic communications professionals – recognized the top writers and creatives in the industry with their Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest as well as multiple Creative and Digital Design Contests. Among those honored were three members of the Capital University Athletic Communications team: Sports Information Director Nick Astalos, Assistant Sports Information Director Brendan Eagan, and Student Videographer Jay Schmoldt.

All-in-all, Capital received 12 total recognitions, with 10 coming in the Creative and Digital Design Contests. Capital was also the only member institution of the Ohio Athletic Conference to receive recognition in the creative and design contests, as well as one of just three to receive recognition in the writing contest.

"It is a very proud moment for Capital's Athletic Communications Office," said Astalos, "seeing several members of our staff recognized for their excellent work by College Sports Communicators. It is outstanding to see our staff honored in multiple categories showcasing the versatility of our staff and a sharp desire to be the best we can be in support of our student-athletes and programs. Without everyone involved in our operation from statistics to photography to videography to writing and much more, this recognition would not be possible. It is a testament to the quality that lies within our staff. We look forward to seeing the growth of our department and I am particularly excited to have a front row seat to watch each member of our staff develop in areas that interest them."

Eagan led the way with seven recognitions in the area of digital design. His highest placement was in the posters category where he saw his women's lacrosse schedule poster earn sixth in the nation and fourth in Division III. Next, his graphic honoring Grace Osborn's NCAA-record 394th career goal earned 16th in the nation and third in Division III amongst individual awards, milestones, and record graphics. His graphic celebrating Bri O'Connor's WBCA All-American selection earned 20th in the nation and 10th in Division III amongst major award graphics. Finally, he earned 12th in the nation for his women's lacrosse game notes.

Schmoldt earned three recognitions in the area of videography, putting two of his entries on the best-in-nation list for short form videos and reels. First, his video about the football homecoming game earned 10th in the nation, followed by his video about football's season finale victory earning 12th in the nation. His homecoming video was also listed as third in Division III. This now makes five total recognitions in two years for the sophomore student videographer.

Astalos was recognized twice for his writing efforts in both the season recap/preview and coach/administrator profile categories within district four. Most notably, he was named the winner of the season recap/preview category for his Comet Recap: 24 Moments of 2024. He would also finish runner-up in the coach/administrator profile category for his story on the life and legacy of former coach and administrator Roger Welsh.

In addition to these three individuals, the Capital Athletic Communications team is blessed to have an amazing student support staff working behind the scenes in the office, the studio, and at each and every game that keep the office functioning at a high level, making these achievements truly a team accomplishment.