BUIES CREEK, N.C. – For the second-straight year Stan Cole, Senior Director of Community & Alumni Engagement, Athletics at Campbell University has been chosen as a national winner for the Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest, recently announced by the College Sports Communicators.
 
Now in his 38th year at Campbell, Cole shared top honors in the "Historical Feature" category in the University Division of the contest for Woodrow Upchurch: Buies Creek to the big leagues and back.  The story shared how 15-year-old Woodrow Upchurch, who pitched in the first junior college game in Campbell history in 1927, became the first Camel to reach the major leagues when he debuted eight years later with the Philadelphia Athletics.
 
"For nearly four decades, I've had the great honor, privilege and pleasure of sharing the stories of our student-athletics, coaches, administrators and alumni," said Cole, a 1987 graduate of Campbell with a B.A. in mass communication. "I'm grateful to each individual who is willing to share their story with me, and ultimately with our readers. Words cannot express my thanks to our Athletics Director Hannah Bazemore, who has provided me with the opportunity to share these stories, whether it is through the written or spoken word. I very much appreciate the honors I've received from the College Sports Communicators.  However, I truly feel that I am just a conduit for the stories that are shared through me."
 
Nearly 500 entries were submitted in seven categories in the 2025-26 contest. Each category was first judged on the district level, with the winners then advancing to national consideration. All national category winners were considered for National Story of the Year.
 
In addition to his feature on Upchurch, two of Cole's stories were chosen as Best in District 3 (which includes entries from all Division I schools in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia). 
 
Rochelle's five home run day still a vivid memory was selected best in the General Feature/Blog category, while Women's Empowerment Spotlight | Emily Pierce won the district award in the Social Justice/Diversity category.
 
Over the last three years, seven of Cole's stories have been recognized on the national or district level by the College Sports Communicators.
 
His feature on Destiny Bailey-Perkins was judged as best in the nation in the social justice/diversity category of the 2024-25 Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest.  Duane Bock – A (Camel) Caddy's life was selected as runner-up among District 3 entries in the general feature category.
 
Two of Cole's feature stories were recognized among the best in the district by the College Sports Communicators in 2023-24.  His feature on Hajj-Malik Williams was chosen as runner-up in the athlete profile category, while 14,556 Days was selected as runner-up in the historical feature category.
 
In addition to serving as head writer and editor for GoCamels.com, Cole also hosts the "Tales from the Creek" podcast, leads the Campbell Athletics Hall of Fame committee and is involved with the Fighting Camel Club in various capacities.