Photographer: Richard Gwin

Camera: Nikon D1H

Former Kansas University men's basketball coach Roy Williams tries to hold back his emotions after breaking the news to his team that he had accepted the North Carolina coaching job. The photograph won first place this year in the news photography category in the Kansas Press Assn.'s Awards of Excellence.

Lens: 28mm fill flashing with a Nikon SB 28 DX

ISO: 800

Shutter: 250

Aperture: 5.6

A good part of the battle to capture a great news photo is being in the right place at the right time.

Trying to figure out which direction former Kansas University men’s basketball coach Roy Williams was going to come from to break the news to his team that he had accepted the head coaching job at North Carolina last April was a bit of a stumper.

But I figured he’d be coming into Allen Fieldhouse from his office. I also guessed he would come down the back stairs to avoid the throng of media waiting at the locker room doors.

I was right. Journal-World sports editor Chuck Woodling and I were the only ones watching the back stairs when Williams descended with two of his aides, their heads hung low as they slinked past.

The media immediately packed the hallway. When Williams came out to address the media, I had to look for some height — I’m only 5 feet 9 inches tall. I headed up the stairs, and my perch turned out to be the perfect spot. I was there, along with the Kansas City Star photographer, when Williams came and stood on the stairs to tell the media about his decision.

You could feel the emotion as Williams turned, trying to hide the tears as he gulped and covered his mouth.

I made a half a dozen frames as he came past me. The first two turned out just right, showing all the media in the background.

The photograph won first place this year in the news photography category in the Kansas Press Assn.’s Awards of Excellence.