West Virginia University Secures Fourth FWAA Super 11 Honor for 2025 Season
West Virginia University’s football communications department has once again been recognized as one of the best in the country. The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced the 17th Super 11 Awards this week, honoring the top-performing College Sports Communicators departments in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the 2025 season.
Consistent Excellence in Athletics Communications
This latest accolade marks the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the past six years (2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025) that WVU has received this honor. The program’s communications unit is led by Mike Montoro, assistant athletics director for football communications, and Michael Fragale, executive senior associate director of athletics communications, both of whom have overseen publicity for WVU football since 2007.
Mike Montoro credited the achievement to a collective effort, noting that the award belongs to coach Rich Rodriguez, the Mountaineer coaching staff, and the WVU Athletics external team.
Understanding the Super 11 Awards
The Super 11 awards, which began with the 2009 season, recognize departments that provide exceptional accessibility to players, coaches, and coordinators during and after game weeks. The FWAA evaluates programs based on beat reporter access, interview request fulfillment, and adherence to press box and locker room protocols.
2025 Award Recipients and Milestones
The 2025 awards featured a mix of veteran powerhouses and a modern addition to the winners’ circle:
- Clemson: Set a record with its 13th Super 11 Award, led by Ross Taylor.
- Nebraska: Earned its 12th award, led by Keith Mann.
- Navy: Secured its ninth award, led by Scott Strasemeier.
- WVU, Iowa, South Carolina, and Tennessee: Each earned their fourth award.
- Texas Tech: Earned its third award, led by Matt Dowdy.
- Ohio State and San Jose State: Each earned their second award.
- Kansas: The lone first-time recipient for the 2025 season, led by Andrew Eisch.
Key Takeaways from the 17th Super 11 Awards
- Total Reach: The FWAA has now recognized at least one Super 11 Award across 83 different FBS programs.
- Top Honor: Rhett Lashlee of SMU was named the 2025 Super 11 Coach of the Year.
- Criteria: Recognition is based on professional decorum and the efficiency of the sports communication staff in facilitating media access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FWAA Super 11 Award?
It is an annual award presented by the Football Writers Association of America to the best-performing College Sports Communicators departments in the NCAA Division I FBS.
Who leads the communications effort at WVU?
The unit is led by Mike Montoro (Assistant Athletics Director for Football Communications) and Michael Fragale (Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics Communications).
When did the Super 11 awards begin?
The awards date back to the 2009 football season.