KSWA Digest Is Golden Quill Finalist For 5th Time

By Thomas Leturgey, Editor, KSWA Digest

For the fifth time, KSWA Digest, the official outlet for news in Pittsburgh’s professional wrestling scene, is a finalist for a Golden Quill Award for excellence in written journalism.

Now in its 62^nd year, the Golden Quill Awards are presented by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania.

Submitted for voter’s approval this year were three features from KSWA Digest: “Friends And Family Are The Backbone Of Wrestling Success,” “KSWA's Ring Concludes Legendary Journey At FanFest” and “Final Bell Rings Familiar, Family Toll”.

“Friends and Family” explains how the term, once used as a derisive insult for small crowds, blossomed into unparalleled significance for more than 400 events over 25 years.

“KSWA’s Ring” recounts the 20-plus year journey of the 16 x 16 contraption of steel, wood, padding, ropes, canvas, corner posts, and people that it held…all of it that comprised the most important professional wrestling structure in the city of Pittsburgh since Studio Wrestling.

“Final Bell” tells the story of the bond between wrestling personalities Joe and Mike Perri at KSWA’s final event, FanFest 2025.

Over the years, KSWA Digest has shred 712 event previews, show reviews, as well as features. It has been a finalist in the Column/Blog category four times, winning three. KSWA Digest Editor “Trapper” Thomas Leturgey is also a finalist in the History/Culture category for five “America 250 historical features” in the Butler Eagle. Leturgey has won a total of six Golden Quill Awards since 2020.

The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania receives more than 1,200 entries each year from across Western Pennsylvania and stretches into parts of Ohio and West Virginia.

Winners will be announced during the Golden Quill dinner and awards ceremony on Monday, May 18, at Rivers Casino on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. That evening, the Press Club will also honor winners of its President’s Award and Service to Journalism Award and recognize recipients of the Bob Fryer Memorial Scholarship and the Press Club Scholarship.