Mathews-Dickey player runs hard, cares harder

Brigade volunteer Guan Hollins shakes hands with Mr. Davis while Mrs. Davis applauds Tommy (center).

There's an old proverb which reads: "To whom much is given, much is required." Tommy Davis of Mathews-Dickey has been blessed with great athleticism. It appears he possesses the character to match. Even in the midst of his team's 31-0 victory this afternoon over University City, the 8-year-old didn't forget to show compassion toward his opponents. At the end of a tough run which required gang-tackling to bring him down, Davis took the time to help several University City players up at the end of the play. One has to understand the intricacies of football to know how special this is. Football players usually don't help opponents off the turf after a play. It's not because the athletes are necessarily mean. Football demands a level toughness that's sometimes misguided.

Players think it shows weakness to give help and others think it shows weakness to accept help. Davis understands the ability which allows to run through five kids can also be used to help pick each of them up. The Sportsmanship Brigade is proud to recognize Tommy Davis as this week's award winner. If your organization is interested in being added to the Brigade schedule, please call 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit St. Louis area youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who display good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more information on the Brigade and all of the other programs within the Sports Commission's Sportsmanship Initiative, please visit sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol