Dugan Arnett, a graduate of the University of Missouri’s journalism school, summer program for college students at The Poynter Institute and a sports writer at the Charlotte Sun, is the winner of the second McKenzie Cup.

Arnett was presented with the award Thursday at Poynter by first-year winner Jemele Hill of ESPN during Sports Journalism Summit III. His work at the Sun has been recognized by awards he has won in state competition during his 18-month stint at the paper.

"Dugan Arnett has been like a breath of fresh air to our newspaper and our community," said Sun Editor Chris Porter. "His stories on the subculture of sports -- from skeet shooters to horseshoe pitchers -- have delighted our readers. And his solid coverage of high schools in the area has also been a main staple of our sports pages."

Dugan Arnett is presented the McKenzie Cup by the 2007 winner, Jemele Hill of ESPN. The McKenzie Cup is given in tribute of the late Van McKenzie, the innovative sports editor, and recognizes talented, young sports writers.

The McKenzie Cup is given in tribute of the late Van McKenzie, the innovative sports editor whose passion for sports journalism won him hundreds of awards and the admiration of his colleagues. He served as sports editor of four Florida newspapers, as well as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and was deputy sports editor of the New York Daily News and managing editor of the National Sports Daily.

"Van's enthusiasm for sports journalism and willingness to mentor young people set him apart in his profession," said Roy Peter Clark, Senior Scholar at Poynter.

Like so many young adults who have attended college, McKenzie found himself in need of cash as an 18-year-old junior college student in Ocala during 1964.

Having an interest in sports, he answered an ad placed in the Ocala Star-Banner looking for sports writers to cover Friday night football games.

Little did McKenzie know when he took that job where the sports journalism world take him -- to the top of his profession as one of the most respected, admired and honored editors in sports journalism before his life ended in early 2007 at age of 61.

McKenzie, who was hired by then Star-Banner (and now Charlotte Sun associate editor) Buddy Martin, never forgot the struggles of young journalists making it in the newspaper world, and he became a champion of the young, talented and enthusiast writers, editors, designers and photographers as he moved from newspaper to newspaper until his final stop at the Orlando Sentinel, where he was the associate managing editor of sports.

"Van had multiple talents," said Martin, "but his biggest asset was his heart. His inclusiveness as a manager opened doors for journalists of every kind, even back in the day when few opportunities existed for young people, women and minorities. He was totally blind to color, gender or age."

The McKenzie Cup is awarded to one of the most outstanding young journalists at the Poynter Sports Journalism Summit who has demonstrated a passion for sports journalism and excellence in his or her work.

Hill, now a commentator, show co-host and columnist for ESPN, was a former columnist at the Orlando Sentinel, where she was hired by McKenzie.

By John Fineran, Charlotte Sun-Herald
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