East Islip¡¯s Sturek and Vetrano Take Top Honors at BASH Awards

  • In a day filled with glitz, glamor and celebration, East Islip High School’s James Sturek and Jason Vetrano emerged as the champions in the highly competitive Best Sports Package category at the prestigious Broadcast Awards for Senior High. The dynamic duo’s exceptional work and undeniable talent in the field of sports journalism secured them the top spot, leaving a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience.

    The BASH Awards, an annual event that recognizes excellence in broadcasting and journalism, draws participants from various media outlets and school districts. This year’s edition brought together a multitude of talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of high school sports broadcasting. Among them, Sturek and Vetrano stood out, showcasing their expertise, dedication and unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding sports coverage.

    The winning East Islip entry demonstrated the pair’s ability to capture the essence of the wrestling team’s journey in a comprehensive and engaging manner. Their package combined insightful analysis, captivating storytelling and impeccable presentation, showcasing the depth of their knowledge and their innate ability to connect with their audience.

    Sturek, a seasoned sports journalist with years of experience under his belt, has been a prominent figure for WFTK Studios. Known for his charisma and in-depth knowledge of various sports, he has built a solid reputation for delivering top-notch coverage. 

    Vetrano, the chief editor for WFTK Studios, brings his unique perspective and editing expertise to the table by seamlessly blending gripping narratives, cutting-edge visuals and insightful analysis. He has an innovative approach to storytelling, coupled with a keen eye for detail. Together, they form a formidable team, capturing the excitement and drama of sports events with precision and flair.

    “The recognition bestowed upon James and Jason at the BASH Awards solidifies their status as leaders in broadcasting for WFTK Studios and East Islip High School,” technology teacher Bill Lackner said. “Their hard work, passion and dedication have not only entertained and informed viewers but have also elevated the standards for our studio moving forward.”

    “After falling just short of our goal last year, Jason and I had high expectations for this year’s video,” Sturek said. “We were able to capitalize on top with exactly what we wanted, coming in first place. The grind and work we put into this video made the feeling of victory that much better.”
     
    “After coming in second last year, James and I were determined to win this year,” Vetrano said. “We put countless hours of work and dedication into this project, and it really paid off. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience to win such a prestigious competition. None of this would have been possible without the support from Mr. Lackner, my peers from WFTK and the East Islip wrestling community.”

    View the video here:

    Date Added: 6/12/2023