When it comes to covering sports in Seattle, Bob Condotta has done it all. And that’s only a slight exaggeration. After covering the University of Washington for 16 years, in 2013 he took over the Seahawks beat for The Seattle Times and didn’t miss a step. In fact, some have credited him with helping the Hawks earn their first Super Bowl victory (OK, not really, but can it be merely a coincidence?). In the age of the 24/7 news cycle that so often leaves traditional print journalists floundering, Condotta has prospered, his deep sports knowledge and affable demeanor making him both a friend and a trusted source for readers. Like all good beat writers, he’s tireless, and he finds the stories and angles in the day-to-day minutiae that others miss. In other words, Condotta is a pro’s pro.

Read all of our picks for Sports & Adventure, and explore the rest of this year’s edition of Best of Seattle.