Good sportsmanship abounds in CYC

From L-R: Sophie Hibbard, Coach Missy Box, Christina Koch, and Coach Julie Council

The Sportsmanship Brigade began its November schedule Friday night with a visit to Immacolata School. The home team took on St. Peter in a volleyball match-up of eighth-graders. Immacolata won the match 2-1, but the attitudes of both teams guaranteed there wouldn't be any losers on this court. Sophie Hibbard of Immacolata ran to a teammate who had been having a bad game. She could be heard from the stands saying, "That's alright. Keep your head. We'll get the next one." Hibbard's encouragement helped her team in a match that could've easily gone either way.

Christina Koch of St. Peter was the spark plug of her team. Through three 15-minute periods, this young lady never stopped cheering, playing and motivating. Even as Immacolata pulled away late in the third period, Koch never quit. She yelled out on match point for Immacolata, "C'mon guys! We can do this!" The coaches for both teams were outstanding as well. Julie Council of St. Peter and Missy Box of Immacolata implored their teams to play hard and play to win - but play within the rules. No one on either side argued with a referee or yelled at an opposing player. Both teams played a determined yet respectful match.

As a result, we were proud to recognize Christina Koch of St. Peter and Sophie Hibbard of Immacolata along with their respective coaches - Julie Council and Missy Box. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, parents, coaches and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. The Brigade will visit the poet-athletes of America SCORES St. Louis this Thursday and take in another youth volleyball tilt at Grace Christian this Saturday. If you would like to get your organization on the Brigade schedule or volunteer as a Brigade member, please visit our website - sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol