A series of sports pictures that depicts a story line or single theme. (A picture story depicting the President of the United States, other U.S. politicians, or U.S. politics is NOT eligible in this category.) 12 photos maximum per story
First Place
Ricky Carioti, The Washington Post
Real Redskins: The Red Mesa Redskins is a small Navajo school in northeast Arizona. The Redskins became the school's mascot in 1974 when a student named Raymond Oldman thought of the name after several students were asked to come up with a school mascot. The school is on the Navajo reservation. The Red Mesa Redskins are proud of their heritage and their name and they don't feel offended by the use of their Redskins name by the NFL's Washington Redskins. Their logo is also the same as the Washington Redskins.
Second Place
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
More Than Motors: Founded more than 65 years ago, NASCAR continues to be the largest stock car racing organization in America. With more than six different racing series and approving thousands of races a year, it's where young drivers get their start and veterans build their legacies. As one of the most watched sports in America, fans feel the intensity of watching side by side racing on the track at 200MPH and enjoy the lifestyle far from the revving engines each week of the year. This is a way of life for not just race car drivers, but everyone involved in the sport, too.
Third Place
Mary F. Calvert, Zuma Press
Norway's Mighty Dogs: The Tromsø, Norway Villmarkssenter is home to 300 Alaskan huskies, the most common breed of sled dog. Mushers lead teams of huskies on nature tours across the Norwegian wilderness beside the mountains and fjords of Kvaloya and into the southern sun. Each year, dogs and mushers train to compete in Norway in the Finnmarksloet, the northernmost sled dog race in the world. The hardy dogs live outside year round and eat a diet of raw whale meat mixed with cow stomachs and washed down with water and kibble.
Award of Excellence
Jonathan Newton, The Washington Post
Field of Dreams: Dominican pitching prospect Maximo Valerio (46) warms up prior to instructional league game action at the Washington Nationals Dominican baseball training complex on December 2, 2014 in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
Award of Excellence
Mike Morones, Military Times
Warrior Games: The annual Warrior Games features athletes from all four service branches as well as Special Operations Command. The participants' injuries range from serious illnesses, accidents as well as combat-related mental and physical injuries.
Award of Excellence
Jahi Chikwendiu, The Washington Post
An Improbable Tennis Prodigy: Franklin and Francis Tiafoe, 16 year old twins who parents are immigrants from Sierra Leone, literally grew up at College Park’s Junior Tennis Champions Center. They lived in a back room of the center where their immigrant dad was the maintenance man. Now Francis is the best junior boy tennis player in the United States and the hopeful star who will help bring U.S. men's tennis back into the spotlight of world competition.