MARQUETTE, Mich.—Northern Michigan University students won two awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation: first in college television sports play by play and second in college radio public service announcement.

A four-person NMU crew placed first in TV sports play by play, beating out Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University for the top spot. Members were: Joel Vendittelli of Fostoria, Mich., who handled play by play; Adam Holloway of Marquette, color commentary; Ryan Clark of Round Lake, Ill., director of the broadcast; and Jordan Smeltzer of Frankfort, Mich., lead camera.

“It really means a lot [winning the award] because it’s a high honor coming from a smaller school with a smaller budget and still taking first,” said Smeltzer, a junior entertainment and sports promotion major.

            Phillip Nichols, a junior media production and new technology major from Wallace, Mich., placed second for his public service announcement on the importance of driving safe.

            “Well, it wasn’t first, but I’m happy to place,” Nichols said. “It was a great learning experience to attend the expo, talk with people at the seminars and in the booths and have our Northern professors’ ears for eight hours on the drive there and back.”

The awards were presented March 13 at the Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference and Expo in Lansing.