The South Bend Tribune sports desk has scored a major win—and it's not on the field. Journalists Mike Berardino and Tom Noie, along with staff photographer Michael Clubb, have been honored by the Associated Press of Sports Editors (APSE) for their outstanding work in 2025.
Berardino and Noie took top honors in the Division C event coverage category, announced Thursday, May 7. Division C recognizes smaller to mid-sized newspapers within the organization, and the duo earned five of six first-place votes for their gripping coverage of the domestic terrorist attack on New Year's Day 2025 in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Clubb won the Division C Action Photo category, announced Wednesday, May 13, for his powerful imagery.
The story behind the awards is one of tragedy and resilience. Berardino and Noie were in New Orleans ahead of Notre Dame's College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Georgia, scheduled for New Year's Day. But overnight, a man drove his car into the heart of Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring 57 in what was later deemed a domestic terrorist attack. The game was postponed by a day.
Both journalists sprang into action despite the chaos. Noie wrote an instant column from his hotel room after waking up to the news, capturing the raw shock of the moment. Berardino attended the scheduled Mass before the game, gathering compelling videos and stories that brought the community's grief into focus. Once it was safe to walk the streets, Noie headed toward the Superdome, where he spoke with fans gathered outside. His story masterfully captured the mix of sorrow, confusion, and solidarity that defined the day.
The pair then turned around and covered the rescheduled game the next day, delivering excellent reporting from an emotional 48 hours that tested everyone involved.
"I am proud to see the work that Mike and Tom did that day be recognized in this way," said South Bend Tribune sports editor Austin Hough. "Covering an event like that is very difficult, but they did a tremendous job of painting a picture of what that day looked like for those living it in-person. The work they did on one of their hardest days of their careers is a testament to their professionalism and dedication."
For sports fans who value the stories behind the games, these honors remind us that great journalism—like great athletic performance—requires heart, precision, and the ability to perform under pressure.