Mark Sturgis, who hosts Straight Up With Sturg (weekdays 4-7 p.m.) for ESPN Upstate has been named the 2016 South Caroline Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. The 58th Annual NSMA’s Awards will be held on June 26, 2017 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where Sturgis will receive his honor. Sturgis began his career working at recording studios in Knoxville and Atlanta. After a short stint at JP Sports in Charlotte, NC, Sturgis and his wife moved back to the Upstate where he began working for Edwin McCain’s company, OMG. There he became part of The Opening Drive Radio Show and his future in radio and at ESPN Upstate was inevitable.
“This award is voted on by your peers in the industry,” says Dave Goren, Executive Director of the National Sports Media Association. “If they show you this kind of respect, it says a lot.”
“Sturg has been a driving force in the rapid growth of ESPN Upstate. It’s no surprise he is receiving this recognition,” says ESPN Upstate’s Operations Manager, Mark Hendrix. “His tireless dedication and passion for sports really connects with all listeners that hear his afternoon show.”
The NSMA will also induct Linda Cohn, the late Frank Gifford, Mike Lupica and the late Sam Lacy into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame this June.
