Sachem alum Rich Cimini has been named New York State Sportswriter of the Year for the third time by the National Sports Media Association. This year, Cimini shares the honor with Steve Serby of the New York Post.
Cimini previously earned the distinction in 2020 and 2023. The award is nominated and voted on by fellow sports media professionals, underscoring the respect he commands among his peers.
A graduate of Sachem High School’s Class of 1981, Cimini’s journalism journey began locally, writing for The Sachem Harbinger and broadcasting on WSHR. He cut his teeth in journalism covering Sachem football and the legendary Fred Fusaro.
Now covering the New York Jets for ESPN, Cimini has been on the beat since 1989, making him the longest-tenured Jets beat writer. That longevity has meant chronicling decades of highs, lows, and, at times, challenging football, all with sharp insight and consistency.
He is an inductee of the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, honors that reflect both his professional excellence and his lasting ties to the community that helped launch his career.