April 25, 2005

Sportsmanship Awards Given For Winter Sports

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The USA South Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has instituted a Conference-wide Sportsmanship Award and the winter sports are the second to be recognized.  Peace has been chosen the women's basketball sportsmanship award winner, while Averett was named the men's basketball sportsmanship award winner.

There will be a Sportsmanship Award for each of the 14 Conference-sponsored sports.  For ever sport, each team member votes for the teams he/she deems to have demonstrated the best overall sportsmanship throughout the season.  The team garnering the most votes will receive that sports' Sportsmanship Award.  The school that wins the most individual sport Awards will win the overall USA South Sportsmanship Trophy.  The Award came about through SAAC's commitment to maintaining a sportsmanlike environment on each of our campuses. 

One voter for the Peace's women's basketball squad said, "they demonstrated a good attitude when interacting with teammates, coaches, officials and fans."

One ballot stated that Averett's men's basketball team "played hard but have respect for their opponent.  They always went above and beyond to help their opponents on and off the court."

The Awards will be presented to each of the winning schools at a later date.  The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hopes that by establishing a Sportsmanship Award, the members of the USA South will understand the importance of this issue.  The student-athletes, coaches and administrators represent the best of our institutions and it is vital that this be demonstrated on and off the field.