OC alumni won multiple journalism awards this summer

Murray Evans and Bobby Ross received national awards from four professional reporting and writing associations.  

August 25, 2020-Oklahoma Christian University journalism alumni Murray Evans and Bobby Ross are some of the most-awarded reporters in Oklahoma, and the two were recognized for their work yet again this summer.

Ross serves as the editor-in-chief at the Christian Chronicle, an international newspaper for churches of Christ that is located on the OC campus. Evans is OC’s assistant athletic director for media relations, but the former full-time journalist also works as freelance writer for outlets such as the Chronicle. Every year, The Chronicle submits its staff’s best work in contests sponsored by four journalism organizations: Associated Church Press, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists and Religion News Association. The Chronicle was named the top newspaper by the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association. 

Ross received first place for in-depth enterprise and investigative reporting as well as third place for criminal justice reporting. He also became a finalist for the Religion News Association’s 2020 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. 

Evans wrote an article about Allan Trimble’s many accomplishments in addition to his memorial service. Trimble was a record-setting football coach, member of The Park Church of Christ and beloved by many. More than 3,000 people attended his memorial service after he passed away from ALS. Evans’ article was awarded first place in the sports reporting category in the annual Society of Professional Journalists-Oklahoma Pro Chapter writing contest. 

“I am humbled to win this award, considering the quality of sports writing in this state,” Evans said. “I think about some of them who previously have won this award, and it's hard to believe that I am now on the same list. The fact that the winning story was about my friend Allan Trimble makes this even more special.”

Along with first place in the sports reporting category, Evans also won four first-place district awards in the annual Fred W. Stabley Sr. Writing Contest held by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He has won 18 district awards in the Stabley contest in the last seven years. 

Chronicle writers Bradi Ball and Erik Tryggestad also received awards. Tryggestad serves as the Chronicle’s president and CEO and has taught Media Writing at OC before.