Saints show outstanding sportsmanship

From L-R: Sophie Ellis, Solomon Alexander and Ivana Pease

The Grace Christian Saints hosted St. Joseph in a CYC 5th grade volleyball match-up on Saturday. Both team played with tremendous class and character. Sportsmanship Brigade members rewarded Ivana Pease and Sophie Ellis of Grace and St. Joseph respectively. Ellis competed at a very high level while encouraging her teammates throughout. Even when plays went against her team, Ellis was the primary motivator. The same could be said of Pease - who took her role a step further. She started an impromptu cheer for her teammates while she was on the bench. When I asked Pease about her cheer after the match she said, "Oh, I didn't start it. It was my teammates and I just joined in." Brigade members clearly saw Pease start the cheer, but her humility makes her stand out all the more. 

For these Saints, sportsmanship is a Brees. Sorry, couldn't help it. 

Normally, this would be the end of the post. I'd tell you to find more information about the Sportsmanship Brigade on our sportsmanship.org website. It doesn't end there, though. Just as I was talking to the officials about which players we wanted to reward, Grace went one step further. They formed a spirit tunnel for the St. Joseph athletes. The 10 Grace players stood in two rows of five, interlocked their hands and stretched them overhead. Then, they cheered loudly for St. Joseph as the opposing team ran through. It was a thing of beauty. We had no choice but to reward the entire team. I forgot to mention you can make donations to the Brigade through our website as well. With sportsmanship on display like this, the goodie bag is going to have to get deeper. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol