THE DAVID WYATT SPORTSWRITING FELLOWSHIP

OVERVIEW

The David Wyatt Sports Journalism Summer Fellowship is a paid fellowship supporting an emerging journalist, student, or educator with a passion for sports history, storytelling, and community memory. 

 

Named in honor of David Wyatt, a respected baseball player, sportswriter, and historian born in Nelsonville, Ohio, the fellowship supports a Fellow in researching, producing, and publishing an original piece of sports journalism that uplifts local, forgotten, or underrepresented stories—especially those rooted in Nelsonville, Athens County, and Appalachian Ohio, emphasizing that telling the story is as important as playing the game.

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY 

Applicants may be:

• High school students (local or regional)

• College or university students

• K–12 teachers or educators

• Emerging journalists, filmmakers, or storytellers

 

Applicants may be based anywhere, but special consideration is given to those with ties to Nelsonville, Athens County, or Appalachian Ohio, or whose proposed projects focus on those communities.

 

FELLOWSHIP DETAILS

Over the fellowship cycle, the selected Fellow will:

1. Research and select a subject, such as:

   • A current local athlete or team

   • A former athlete, team, or forgotten local sports story

   • Stories that are underrepresented, overlooked, or at risk of being lost

2. Receive mentorship and guidance from partner organizations and a selection committee throughout fellowship..

3. Produce one major piece of work, which may take the form of one of the following:

   • A long-form article or photo essay

   • A short documentary

   • A podcast or podcast series

   • A digital or multimedia exhibit

4. Publish and premiere the work, including:

   • Publication via Nelsonville Media Company

   • Preview in conjunction with the Old Timers Baseball Game

   • Public premiere at the 2026 ALAS Festival 

5. Stipend: $1,000 payable at the 2026 ALAS Festival

 

TIMELINE

Application Opens: February 10 Application Deadline: March 30

• Fellow Notified: April 30

• Fellowship Period: May 1–July 31

• Preview Event: Old Timers Day (date TBA)

• Public Premiere: ALAS Festival (date TBA)

 

CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Strength and originality of project ideas

• Connection to community history and underrepresented stories

• Understanding of David Wyatt’s legacy

• Storytelling potential and feasibility

• Demonstrated curiosity, care, and commitment