(Rochester, NY)… Rochester Knighthawks broadcaster Craig Rybczynski has been named the winner of the 2026 Gary Smith & George Beahon Sports Media Excellence Award. Rybczynski will be honored among several other local sports figures at the upcoming annual Rochester Press-Radio Club Celebration of Champions presented by ESL Federal Credit Union on Tuesday, June 9, at ESL Ballpark.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as the recipient of the Gary Smith & George Beahon Sports Media Excellence Award. I have been incredibly blessed with an amazing family who has always supported and encouraged me along the way,” said Rybczynski. “I share this recognition with the many talented co-workers I have been fortunate to work alongside over the years with the Rochester Knighthawks. Thank you to the Rochester Press-Radio Club selection committee for this incredible honor. I am deeply grateful.”
Rybczynski is the longest-tenured broadcaster in National Lacrosse League history, setting a record by calling his 400th consecutive NLL game in 2024. He has served as the radio and television play-by-play voice of the Knighthawks for 24 seasons. In 2020, he was named the NLL’s Tom Borrelli Award winner as Media Person of the Year.
Rybczynski also currently serves as the Senior Director of Operations and Communications for the Knighthawks, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the franchise’s vision, enhancing its brand presence, and ensuring operational excellence. His responsibilities include directing the team’s communications, media relations, and public engagement strategies, while also overseeing day-to-day team operations, including scheduling, logistics, and travel execution.
His journey with the Knighthawks began in 1999, when he was named Director of Communications. For two decades, he led the team’s communications strategy—developing media policies, building community and business partnerships, and delivering impactful storytelling through feature writing, video content, and television and radio broadcasts.
Rybczynski’s work earned him recognition as the National Lacrosse League’s Public Relations Executive of the Year in 2006 and the Knighthawks’ Seventh Man in 2018-19 for his dedication and commitment to the franchise.
In 2019, he transitioned into a new role as Lacrosse Operations Manager with the expansion-era Knighthawks, helping lay the foundation for a new chapter in the franchise’s history. That experience prepared Rybczynski for his current senior leadership position, where he continues to support the organization’s growth both on and off the floor.
Beyond the Knighthawks, his experience includes working with the Rochester Americans (AHL), the Rochester Rhinos soccer club, and Major League Lacrosse’s Rochester Rattlers and Hamilton Nationals. Rybczynski also had the privilege of serving on the media teams for Team USA at the 2011 World Box Lacrosse Championship and Team Canada at the 2015 tournament, as well as broadcasting at the 2024 World Box Lacrosse Championships.