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PSAC Student-Athletes
Focus on Sportsmanship
- (October 12, 2007)
When seen or uttered in and around its 14 member
schools, it is widely known that the P.S.A.C stands for
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. However,
beginning this fall, members of the league’s Student
Athlete Advisory Committee are hoping spectators can
attach a whole new meaning to the acronym P.S.A.C.
Following the lead of its national organization, PSAC
SAAC members are promoting sportsmanship as a focal
point during athletic contests. With that in mind, SAAC
members have modified the league’s anagram to read
“Portraying Sportsmanship at All Costs,” a slogan that
will be on display on banners throughout various playing
venues. The banners will also feature the
student-athletes’ unifying symbols as proud members of
the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and NCAA
Division II.
“The PSAC SAAC has prioritized the message of
exceptional sportsmanship because we feel it is just as
important as being a successful athlete or athletic
program," said Chris Clark, the PSAC SAAC President. He
continued, “We would like to see people strive for the
same amount of excellence in the stands as what we are
striving to achieve in competition. We most definitely
feel that adding these facets and displays of
sportsmanship to our league will make the PSAC even more
appealing and enjoyable to athletes, family members,
fans, recruits, and the community.”
In
addition to the banners, the SAAC has also adopted a
statement focusing on sportsmanship that will be read by
a student-athlete prior to each athletic contest. To
paraphrase, the message is to enthusiastically support
your teams, but do so in a classy manner.
“Sportsmanship has been a key issue for the NCAA and the
PSAC over the last several years,” said PSAC
Commissioner Steve Murray. “I’m happy to see to see our
student-athletes making it a priority for them, as
well. They have established a clear, well-thought
message and have put together a good plan to implement
that message on our campuses.”
PSAC Student-Athletes have already stood out among on
the national level for displays of sportsmanship over
the last two years. Slippery Rock’s Mike Rose (men’s
track and field) and Edinboro’s Rae Sherred (women’s
basketball) were recognized as Division II’s 2006 NCAA
Sportsmanship Award winners, while Clarion’s Lisa
Baumgartner (women’s tennis) earned the same honor this
year. The yearly awards are given to one male and one
female in each of the NCAA’s three divisions, judging a
nominee’s performance in carrying out the values of
respect, caring, fairness and civility.
Note: The Presidents Council for NCAA Division
II recently conducted a comprehensive study termed as
their Strategic Positioning Platform. The Platform
identifies Division II’s characteristics and key
attributes (“what we stand for”), one of which is
Sportsmanship. To learn more about Division II please
visit the Web site:
http://www.diicommunity.org/
Division II’s six key attributes are:
Sportsmanship - respect for fairness, courtesy;
ethical conduct toward others
Passion – enthusiastic dedication and desire in
effort
Service – positive societal attitude through
contributions to community
Learning – multiple opportunities to broaden
knowledge and skills
Balance – emphasis on collective knowledge;
integration of skills
Resourcefulness – versatile skill set drawn from
broad range of experiences
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