Sachem alum Rich Cimini has been named New York State Sportswriter of the Year for the third time by the National Sports Media Association, further cementing his status as one of the most respected voices in sports journalism. This year, Cimini shares the prestigious honor with Steve Serby of the New York Post.
Cimini previously earned the award in 2020 and 2023. The recognition is especially meaningful, as it is nominated and voted on by fellow sports media professionals, underscoring the esteem he has earned from his peers throughout a long and accomplished career.
A graduate of Sachem High School’s Class of 1981, Cimini’s journalism journey began close to home. He wrote for The Sachem Harbinger and gained early broadcasting experience on WSHR, honing his craft while covering local sports. One of his first major beats was Sachem football, where he chronicled the success of legendary coach Fred Fusaro, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong career in sports reporting.
Today, Cimini covers the New York Jets for ESPN and has been on the Jets beat since 1989, making him the longest-tenured beat writer in team history. His longevity has seen him report on decades of Jets football, from rare highs to prolonged rebuilding periods, always delivering sharp analysis, institutional knowledge, and a consistent voice that fans have come to trust.
Beyond his professional achievements, Cimini has remained connected to his roots. He is an inductee of both the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, honors that reflect not only his journalistic excellence but also his lasting ties to the Long Island community that helped launch his career.
Cimini’s latest honor is a testament to dedication, credibility, and a career built on telling the story the right way, year after year.