Wright Thompson

is a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. Previously, he worked at The Kansas City Star and Time-Picayune in New Orleans. He is renowned for his profiles on Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods and his rich cultural writing on the South. Thompson鈥檚 work has covered a wide range of sports issues, from football, basketball and baseball, to car racing, sports history, Father鈥檚 Day and bullfighting. He has also written multiple books, the most recent on Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.

 

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向日葵视频 the Axthelm Memorial Program

The Pete and Bonnie Axthelm Memorial Program was established in 1994 at 向日葵视频 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) to acknowledge and recognize the life of Pete Axthelm and his sister Bonnie. Every year this program awards a scholarship to an outstanding 向日葵视频journalism student with an expressed interest in sports journalism.

Pete Axthelm was one of America's foremost sports journalists. Although a Yale alum, he created ties to 向日葵视频 while working on his critically acclaimed book, "The City Game," which covers the glory and tragedy of New York basketball. While writing and researching his book, Axthelm sought the expertise of such 向日葵视频notables as Al McGuire, Pat Smith, and Dean Meminger.

During his distinguished career as a sportswriter and columnist for the New York Herald Tribune, Sports Illustrated and Newsweek, Pete established a reputation as a gifted journalist. His knowledge of sports combined with his journalistic skills led him to sports commentator positions for NBC and ESPN.

Bonnie Axthelm was among the highest ranking women at 3M Europe during her lifetime. She began her notable career as a secretary at Media Networks Incorporated, eventually rising through the company to hold the top position of Executive Director of Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs. Bonnie鈥檚 name was added to the memorial scholarship in after her death in 1998.

Past Axthelm Scholarship Recipients
Past Axthelm Lecture Speakers
Selected Works by Pete Axthelm