Post-Dispatch's Matter wins national beat writer award
Dave Matter of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has been named the Steve Ellis Beat Writer of the Year by the National Football Writers Association of America for his coverage of the University of Missouri football team during a pandemic-ravaged 2020-21."As our industry evolves, I take more pride in being a newspaper beat writer in 2021 than ever before," Matter said. "To be recognized for that work is deeply appreciated, especially by my peers in the FWAA."
Matter has covered Mizzou athletics for the Post-Dispatch since 2013 but has been on the beat for more than two decades, dating to when he was a student journalist on campus.
"Dave has full ownership of his beat across all platforms, driven by an unflinching commitment to shine a light on Mizzou athletics -- good and bad -- with readers," said Cameron Hollway, Post-Dispatch deputy sports editor who oversees college coverage.
"He delivers consistently outstanding coverage while also helping to guide others who are on the Mizzou coverage team, including columnists and an annual student campus correspondent."
Matter's decorated career includes two Associated Press Sports Editors Top Ten beat writer awards and three from the National Sports Media Association.
He has had three books published, including "The 100-Yard Journey: A Life in Coaching and Battling for the Win" (Triumph Books), co-authored with former Missouri coach Gary Pinkel.
