Congratulations to the newspapers across the state that won Associated Press Sports Editors recognition. It’s the nation’s most prestigious sportswriting contest.

Margaret Banks, Gerald Witt and Jason Wolf of the News & Record. (Wolf also had an individual mention in this category.) — Breaking news

Jason Wolf and Jeff Mills of the News & Record — Beat reporting

Gerald Witt of the News & Record — Investigative

The News & Observer, honorable mention — Sunday section

The Charlotte Observer — Daily section

Tommy Tomlinson of the Charlotte Observer — Features

Despite what many people think, most papers I’m familiar with don’t do journalism to win awards. They are much more focused on doing good journalism for their readers. Congratulations to Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro for doing just that.