2019 NSMA Award Winners

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – University of South Alabama Director of Broadcasting J.D. Byars was named the Alabama Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association, as announced by the organization on Monday.

Byars was named a finalist for the award, along with Eli Gold of the Crimson Tide Sports Network, on Nov. 25 after being nominated by national broadcasters. It marks the first time in Byars' career he has been honored with the award. The awards banquet will be held Mon., June 29, in Winston-Salem, N.C., at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Coliseum Arena.

"When I saw who had previously won and to now be in that group, I initially thought there had to be an error in the ballot counting," Byars said. "It is definitely humbling to be in the same breath as Eli Gold; to be a finalist was an honor itself. I really didn't expect to win, and when I got a call that that was the case, I was really shocked. 

"You make so many friends and build so many relationships along the way, and when I looked at the list of past winners: Jim Fyffe, Chris Stewart, Eli Gold, Gary Sanders, Rod Bramblett – I kind of think everybody is molded by their Mount Rushmore. Those are guys who influenced, at some point, some aspect of my own style. I feel like I am kind of a blend of everything I absorbed over the years from them. The NSMA stands for mentoring, motivating and encouraging the next generation of broadcasters. While I was a finalist with Eli Gold this year, I feel like it is almost like a repeat win for him in a way, because I'm not standing up there or where I am at if not for him – not that he gave me a start, but he encouraged me, got me interested in this field and helped me along the way with critiques. You work with so many people along the way who make you better, encourage you and lift you up when you feel like you're not going anywhere in this business. And I have worked with some great color analysts and athletic directors. It's kind of a team win."

Byars is the voice of Jaguar athletics and handles play-by-play duties for Jaguar football and baseball games, as well as play-by-play coverage for ESPN+ for men's and women's basketball games. Additonally, Byars handles the 11-station statewide network for Jaguar Sports Properties, which covers the major cities reaching 3.35 million people per game day. 

"First and foremost, I think it recognizes a history of great work by J.D.," South Alabama Director of Athletics Joel Erdmann said. ''What people hear on gamedays and other broadcasts doesn't just happen, that takes a lot preparation and practice, and it is great that he is recognized for that. From an institutional perspective, we are fortunate to have J.D., because we will gain the notoriety on his behalf for gaining this award. It is definitely an honor for J.D., but also a privilege for us to be associated with him."

The NSMA annually recognizes a National Sportscaster and National Sportswriter of the Year, as well as a sportscaster and sportswriter in each state. Four individuals are usually selected for the NSMA Hall of Fame each year as well. Among this year's Hall of Fame inductees will be Dan Patrick.   

Lauren Sisler of AL.com/ SEC Network, was voted the Alabama Sportscaster of the Year in 2018. Jim Fyffe owns the most Alabama Sportscaster of the Year awards (8), followed by Gold and Chris Stewart, who have been honored five times each. Other past winners of the award in Alabama include Rod Bramblett, Paul Finebaum and Gary Sanders.

Finalists for this year's Alabama Sportswriter of the Year were Cecil Hurt and Matt Zenitz.

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