Long County High School was recently chosen to receive the 2013 Georgia High School Association Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.
There are 437 high schools that belong to GHSA, and the Blue Tide was one of 48 schools to receive the award.
The Georgia Electric Membership Corporation sponsors the award and presents it to schools that demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship. The current awards were for the 2012-13 school year.
“This is some good news that we all can be proud of…” LCHS athletic director Karen Swindell said. “I always knew that we had great students, but it is a big deal when opposing teams recognize that we show good sportsmanship at all times.”
In the addition to praising the students, Swindell said the school’s coaches contributed.
“I would like to recognize all of my coaches that help instill good sportsmanship into their players,” she said. “They do an outstanding job and I am proud to be a member of the Long County community.”
GHSA Executive Director Dr. Ralph Swearngin said, “Good sporting behavior involves many important values that influence the behavior of productive citizens. The GHSA appreciates the efforts of Georgia EMC to recognize schools that have excelled at good sportsmanship.”
Swearngin said the award is not just a school honor but also a reflection of the school’s community. He said actions of athletes, fellow students, school staff, parents and spectators are taken into consideration for the award.
“Sportsmanship is an essential element in the mission of education-based athletics,” Swearngin said.
Swindell said good sportsmanship is easy when a team is winning, but it is important that everyone demonstrate it all of the time.
“I believe that good sportsmanship is important in both victory and defeat,” Swindell said.