Meet the 2019 Award Winners: South Dakota Sportswriter Ryan Deal

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 South Dakota Sportswriter of the Year, Ryan Deal. Deal has been a sportswriter for the Daily Republic since 2016, currently a beat writer for Dakota Wesleyan University basketball and high school sports for the publication. He’s covered Bridgewater-Emery's first state boys basketball championship as well as DWU basketball's NAIA Division II tournament and. He also dabbles in photography.

This would be Deal’s third year winning South Dakota Sportswriter of the Year in a row, all in affiliation with the Mitchell Daily Republic.

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

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

Ryan Deal : I began working at the Aberdeen American News in 2006 as a part-timer. I started out answering phones and typing up basketball capsules on the busy nights. I was promoted to sports reporter after a few months and began covering prep and college sports. I joined the Mitchell Republic in 2016 and continued covering prep and college sports in South Dakota.

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

RD: The people. I have built relationships with fans, coaches, players and other media members that I wouldn't have in any other profession. The games and events will come and go, but I will forever cherish the relationships established in this profession.

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

RD: The biggest highlight is being able to chronicle high school and college athletes in my home state on a daily basis. South Dakota is full of genuine, hard-working people and I enjoy shining a light on all of them.

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

RD: Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen. I have surrounded myself with hard-working journalists and that's allowed me to reach this point. So be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible. Passion, dedication and professionalism toward your craft will take you a long way, too.