SAN FRANCISCO - Over the past weekend, Pac-12 Networks celebrated a pair of regional Emmy awards for its “Our Stories” series, presented by Chime, by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), announced on Saturday, June 3. In the Northwest region, “Our Stories: Alex Forsyth,” presented by Chime, was named best in the Sports Story - Short and Long Form Content category, while “Our Stories: Bryson and Brock Thompson,” presented by Chime, also earned the top award for the same category in the San Francisco/Northern California chapter of NATAS. The Emmy awards recognize excellence in programming and individual craft achievement in television and media arts.

Pac-12 Networks lead football analyst Yogi Roth served as executive producer and host for the “Our Stories: Alex Forsyth,” presented by Chime, feature, while Richard Allard served as senior producer on the feature and Jessica Altman as producer, camera operator and editor. Other nominations in the category for the Northwest region included submissions from KBZK, the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), the Seattle Mariners (MLB) and The Seattle Times.  

Alex Forsyth, star offensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks and recent Denver Broncos draftee in the 2023 NFL Draft, shared an incredible bond with his father, Steve, who coached his son both in sports and in life. In 2012, the Forsyth family tragically lost Steve in a mass shooting. In the feature, Forsyth shares how he continues his father’s legacy both on and off the football field as well as the influence his father had on his childhood and his family. 

“Getting to know the humans who compete in college sports is at the core of what we do at Pac-12 Networks,” said Roth. “When the Forsyth family welcomed us into their home to tell the story of Steve, we were incredibly honored to take on the challenge and do so with care and respect. To see this work rewarded with an Emmy is a reflection of the Forsyth family and their intention of living a life that honors Steve. This story reminds all of us that the athletes who wear a helmet every Saturday have tremendous depth underneath those pads.” 

For the “Our Stories: Bryson and Brock Thompson,” presented by Chime, feature, Pac-12 Networks lead host Ashley Adamson served as executive producer, while Allard served as director of photography and John Seeterlin as a producer and editor. Other nominations in the category for the San Francisco/Northern California region included submissions from the Golden State Warriors (NBA), San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and San Francisco Giants (MLB). 

Cal Football Running Backs Coach Aristotle Thompson and his family share their story as this feature profiles Thompson’s son Bryson who was diagnosed with epilepsy at a very young age. As the feature discusses, Bryson never allowed his diagnosis to hold him back. With the support of his brother, Brock, they launched “Helmets4Helmets” to supply others with essential medical helmets they need and deserve. 

Adamson added: “It is thrilling and humbling for our team to be recognized with this Emmy award. As storytellers, we understand the responsibility that comes with sharing someone’s hard-fought journey and we were honored to have had the opportunity to help tell Bryson Thompson’s inspiring story. We are moved by his fight, courage and steadfast resolve to not let epilepsy keep him from living a full life, while also working to help other children who may be struggling. I will be forever grateful to Bryson and his family for the work they are doing to end stigmas surrounding epilepsy, as well as the example they set for all of us on how best to show up with love every single day.”

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