Cherokee County Herald Sports Editor Shannon Fagan brought home two awards from the Alabama Sports Writers 40th Annual Convention in Birmingham this past weekend.

Fagan earned first place in the Best Story or Series Writing, Non Daily; Best Column and/or Feature for his story on Cherokee County High School Water Boy Elias Jennings and also runner-up in the same category for his story on Cherokee County High School star athlete Coty Blanchard who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles.

Veteran Sports Editor/Writer and now Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Jimmy Smothers presented Fagan with his awards.

“It is always an honor when you are recognized by your peers in your profession,” said Fagan. “It was an honor to be in the same room as some of the state’s best sports writers. And it was an honor for me to receive those awards from one of my mentors and long time sportswriter Jimmy Smothers of The Gadsden Times.”

The event was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham. Prior to the event, a reception was held at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

“I’ve never really written stories for awards,” noted Fagan. “I just love covering the sports in Cherokee County and the people who are associated with them.”