The Conroe Courier’s Dennis Silva II received the Putt Powell Sportswriter of the Year award Saturday evening during the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor banquet at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Silva II, who’s career in sports journalism spans 18 years, joined The Courier as a staff writer in October 2022. He also contributes to high school sports coverage for the Houston Chronicle.
The Putt Powell Award, named after W.L. “Putt” Powell of the Amarillo Globe-News was, with Harold V. Ratliff, one of the originators of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. He served at the Amarillo Globe-News for 62 years before his death in 1992.
The Sportswriter of the Year has been given annually since 1958 to recognize a sportswriter for their work in high school sports coverage in the state of Texas. Nominees from eight regions are chosen in March at the THSCA Board of Directors meeting.
Silva II is the first Conroe Courier sportswriter to win the award and fifth ever from the Houston Chronicle. Â
Silva II came to the Conroe Courier after writing for VYPE Media, the Katy Times, where he served as sports editor. He also previously was the sports editor for the Laredo Morning Times and deputy sports editor at The Monitor (McAllen).
Silva II is a graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio where he earned bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science. Prior to that, Silva II graduated from Mayde Creek High School in Katy.
Silva II is the son of Dennis and Cynthia Silva and brother of Douglas Silva.
The event, which was emceed by Craig Way, broadcaster of Texas Longhorns athletics and the University Interscholastic League state football championships on Bally Sports Southwest.
The 2023 Hall of Honor recipients included football coaches David Aymond (North Shore), Tim Buchanan, Don Cumpton, Bryan Dausin and Glen West (Brenham).
Prior to the Hall of Honors ceremony, Bill Tilley was recognized with the Curly Hayes Officials Award. Matt Wilson was honored with the Distinguished Service Award.
Garland ISD’s Judy Campbell received the very first Jody Conradt Award recipient.
