Matt Gaarder, 97-1 The 'Vill/KNIM Sports Director, was awarded first place for Small Market Radio Play-By-Play in the state. The presentation was made at the M.B.A.'s annual convention at Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark.

"It's a huge honor to receive this award," Gaarder said. "There is a ton of competition in small market radio for play-by-play awards. Most of the stations in Missouri that have play-by-play announcers are in small markets."

This is the second time Gaarder has received the award. He was named the Missouri Broadcasters Small Market Play-By-Play voice of the year in 2003 and also received a certificate of merit in the category in 2000. At the time certificates of merit were awarded to the second and third place finishers in the competition.

Gaarder does play-by-play for Maryville High School football,basketball and baseball and for Northwest Missouri State women's basketball. Gaarder also does color commentary for Northwest Missouri State football and men's basketball.