GNAC Awards Norwich University and Saint Joseph College for Outstanding Sportsmanship

By: Kisha Tapangan

Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Sportsmanship is defined as the conduct in which an athlete or team carries themselves while participating in a sporting event.  Respect, fairness and graciousness are all things considered when the Great Northeast Athletic Conference created the coveted Sportsmanship Awards. 

The 2009-2010 Sportsmanship Awards recipients are Norwich University’s Men’s Athletic Program and Saint Joseph College of Connecticut’s Women’s Athletic Program.  GNAC awards programs with coaches, administrators, student-athletes and fans that demonstrate excellent sportsmanship.

GNAC Commissioner Joe Walsh elucidated, “It is a very prestigious award. We are one of the only conferences that has sportsmanship awards and the fact that it is voted on by the student-athletes makes it such an honor.”

Norwich University’s Athletic Director Anthony Mariano was thrilled when the Vermont-based university received the honor for the second year in a row. “It is an honor for Norwich to receive the sportsmanship award for men's sports in the GNAC.  Our athletes and coaches take pride in exhibiting good behavior both on and off the field and it is part of their lifestyle and one of our guiding values here at Norwich.”

Saint Joesph College of Connecticut boasts a variety of women’s athletics and is the proud recipient of the Women’s Athletic Program Sportsmanship Award. With their focus on athletic and educational excellence, Saint Joseph College was also awarded in 2002 the USA TODAY/NCAA Foundation Academic Achievement Award for having one of the highest percentages of graduating student-athletes.  GNAC is proud to honor their dedication to the highest level of sportsmanship on all levels.

GNAC Chair of Ethics Committee and Suffolk University Athletic Director Jim Nelson is proud to present the 2009-2010 Sportsmanship Awards to Norwich University and Saint Joesph College of Connecticut.