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 54 years.
We would like to congratulate Ashland on being this year’s recipient of the Girls Soccer Sportsmanship Award. It is the third time Ashland girls soccer has been chosen winner of the Sportsmanship Award. It’s also the sixth sportsmanship recognition for the school and community.
Head Coach, Jonny BeBeau comments…
When talking with Head Coach, Jonny BeBeau 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 a great cherry on the top for a fantastic season for the team. I am very proud of my athletes. They always compete with respect and integrity and it’s nice to see them recognized for that.
I am a firm believer that programs and athletes reflect the community that raised them. Winning this award is as much for our community as it is for our team. We have a wonderful youth soccer program in Ashland and athletes are taught at a young age to compete with respect for their opponents and each other.
I think sportsmanship starts with treating oneself and teammates with respect. We do a lot of team bonding and encouraging of one another. Sportsmanship towards our opponents starts to naturally flow out of that.
Before we shake our opponents’ hands at the end of each game, I always remind the girls to go through the line with class regardless of the outcome of the game. Sportsmanship is so important because after competitive sports, life goes on, but how we treat others remains.
Coach BeBeau has been coaching soccer for 12 years and has been the head coach at Ashland High School for the past 6 seasons. His favorite part about coaching is investing in students and doing his best to help them reach their potential as athletes and individuals. He loves giving back to the community and high school that gave him so much support when he was a student-athlete.
Congratulations!
Congratulations again on a great season and winning the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship award. This is a great achievement for the Ashland community!
