Good Sports 
Ursuline athletes recognized for clean play

Grantland Rice, the great sportswriter once said, 'It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." Though most players shoot for victory in the face of opposition, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association has made a point to recognize those high school teams who are able to keep their cool in the heat of play.

This year, Ursuline Academy's Varsity Soccer Team received the MIAA Sportsmanship Award for their commendable attitude toward opposing teams and officials during the fall 2010 season. The team was the only girls squad chosen from a multi-division pool of nominees, and athletic Director Mike O'Connor was happy to nominate the girls for the honor.

"I think they only got one yellow card this season, and it was debatable," he said, with a smile.

According to the MIAA website, "the awards are presented to those teams who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to the highest ideals and objectives of sportsmanship during their season of play."

Upon investigating statistical information about each team, such as number of cards presented, the MIAA takes into account each team's nomination to determine which group is most deserving of the recognition. Mr. O'Connor says that the most vibrant example of sportsmanship occurred during a game in which Ursuline could have won by many goals, but worked to keep the score low so not to embarrass the opposing team. During the game, one of Ursuline's goalies had a chance to score her first high school goal, but made a decision to play fair and kick the ball away.

Since the team could not attend the state championship final game held this weekend, captains Kiki Shea and Mikaela Prego, as well as Coach Forte, ventured to the MIAA Headquarters in Franklin to receive the honor on behalf of their teammates.

"Congratulations," said MIAA Asst. Director Dick Baker, who presented the plaque. "Your team should be very proud, this is a very important award."