Meet the 2019 Award Winners: Mississippi Sportswriter Rick Cleveland

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 Mississippi Sportswriter of the Year, Rick Cleveland. Cleveland has been working as an independent sports columnist for the past four years, with Mississippi Today being his largest contract. Graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelors in journalism, Cleveland has been quite active in the industry, serving as the executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame as well as a sports editor of The Hattiesburg American.

Being the most awarded sportswriter in Mississippi history, this will be Cleveland’s twelfth win as Mississippi's Sportswriter of the year. First receiving the award in 1975, Cleveland's talents have been well celebrated throughout his long career. Receiving the award for past works in affiliation to The Clarion-Ledger as well as his work under his current status as a syndicated columnist.

Cleveland briefly spoke with NSMA on his career and other thoughts regarding the industry.

NSMA: What was your career path like on the way to your current position?

Rick Cleveland: Started at age 13 at the Hattiesburg American as a stringer. Spent 14 years there in different capacities ending as sports editor. One year at Monroe (La.) News Star World as executive sports editor. 33 years at The Clarion Ledger/Jackson Daily News in various capacities, including executive sports editor and columnist. Have spent the last four years as a syndicated columnist and sports columnist of Mississippi Today.

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

RC: I actually enjoy the writing process. Finding a subject, researching it and then writing it.

NSMA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

RC: Being inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and winning the Richard Wright Award for Literary Excellence.

NSMA: What is the best piece of advice you have for people pursuing a career in sports media?

RC: Sounds cliché, but there really is no substitute for hard work and no possible way to make it in this industry without working hard and loving it.

Written By Brian Cohen, NSMA Intern