Two AISD teams and their coaches were honored May 11 by the Austin Founder Lions Club, the oldest continuously operating Lions Club in the world.
Sportsmanship Award trophies were presented to the Akins High School boys baseball team, coached by Gene Salazar, and to the Anderson High School girls basketball team, coached by Katrina Hall.
Gregg Hartman, chairman of the club’s Sportsmanship Awards Committee, presented the trophies and checks to the coaches and team representatives.
"Sportsmanship is like a golden rule in sports because it’s about treating others the same way you would like to be treated," AISD Athletic Director Leal Anderson said. "Our coaches do a spectacular job of teaching our kids the principles of being a good sport."
Only team sports are considered for the awards, which are voted on by referees and umpires based on the best exhibitions of sportsmanship during their respective seasons.
This marks the fourth time Hall's basketball team has been recongized with the club's sportsmanship award. The Akins baseballers were listed on every ballot cast by the baseball umpires.
"Sportsmanship is important because of the good qualities that come with being an athlete, such as working together, showing respect for others and humility," Anderson said. "In athletics, you learn the role of sportsmanship so that one day what was taught can echo in our student-athletes' everyday life."