Award winner shows ‘initiative and genuine love for the work’
Zach Nolan was presented with the 2026 Jack Matheson Memorial Award
by MSSA award committee members (L to R) Glen Dawkins, Judy Owen, and Jim Timlick.
Zach Nolan wore a suit – and a big smile – when he received the 2026 Jack Matheson Memorial Award at Red River Polytech’s Creative Communications showcase and awards night on April 8.
The Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association award recognizes students who have an interest in sports writing, sports broadcasting, sports media production or sports public relations.
Nolan, a second-year student, was selected for his wide range of work and volunteerism.
He’s been a sportswriter for the University of Manitoba men’s and women’s hockey teams, the graphics co-ordinator for the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team and radio broadcaster for the Winnipeg Monarchs of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Nolan did work placements with Bonfire Sports for its Winnipeg Blue Bombers coverage and Illegal Curve Hockey’s Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose coverage.
His volunteer work included being the play-by-play broadcaster at the Winnipeg Ringette League’s All-Star Game and Skills Competition.
“Zach stood out right away,” Illegal Curve editor Dave Minuk said in his reference letter. “Even after his internship officially ended, he chose to stay on with us because he wanted to continue covering the Jets and Moose.
“That’s not something everyone would do, and it shows both initiative and genuine love for the work.”
The financial award was named for Jack Matheson, a longtime columnist and sports editor at the Winnipeg Tribune, a CJOB Radio commentator and MSSA founding member.
Matheson was the first to hire graduates of post-secondary programs for positions in the sports journalism field.