We believe there’s something more important than just winning or losing a tournament. We believe that the team, school, and fans who support their athletes with dignity and class are the true champions. That’s why we’ve proudly sponsored the WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award for 56 years.
We would like to congratulate the Reedsville Panthers on being this year’s recipient of the Football Sportsmanship award.
When talking with Head Coach, Aaron Fredrick, we asked him what this award meant to him as a coach, the team and community along with how they teach their athletes about sportsmanship.
This award is an honor to win and means so much myself and our staff. We have an excellent coaching staff who not only coaches on the field but also leads by example off the field. The kids we have understand what it means to be positive regardless of the situation. They have continued to grow on and off the field throughout the course of the season. The tough moments of the season were handled with class and really showed the character of our young men. Our community rallied behind this group of players because they play the game the right way, they don’t showboat, they don’t lose their composure, and they respect their opponents and the officials. Our parents should be proud of the lessons they have taught and the way they have raised these young men. My hope is this award is used to set an example, the type of person you strive to be is always going to be remembered long after any of the wins or losses.
Teaching kids’ sportsmanship is not a one-person effort; we all learn as we go and hope to get better each day. When you surround yourself with good people it’s like anything else it takes over and becomes second nature. Be better than you were the day before.
Coach Fredrick just completed his 13th season as head coach and 17th season overall. His favorite part of coaching is the bonds you make. It’s the toughest sport there is to play, and there are so many pieces to the puzzle that you have to make fit.
He also went on to comment that – “Win or lose when you see the looks in the kids eyes knowing that they gave everything they had it excites me to know that they will never regret all the hard work and effort it takes to play football” said Fredrick
Congratulations again on a great season and winning the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship award. This is a great achievement for the Reedsville community.
