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 Eau Claire Memorial on being this year’s recipient of the Boys Team Tennis Sportsmanship Award. It is the second time the Old Abes Boys Team Tennis has been chosen winner of the sportsmanship award and the 11th time the school and community has received the honor.
Head Coach, Jim Litscher comments…
When talking with Head Coach, Jim Litscher we asked him what this award meant to him as a coach, the team and community…
Eau Claire Memorial is very proud to have won the Sportsmanship Award for Boys Tennis this past season. We have been fortunate to win this great award one other time for the boys and three times for the girls. We know that other teams were very deserving. It had to be difficult to choose one!
We try to emphasize team first and that what we do on and off the court will make a difference on how our whole team is viewed. We encourage kids to give 100% and to win or lose with poise and good character. Everyone wants to win but it cannot be the only goal.
Finally, we emphasize to our players that they are making memories that hopefully will be positive. I thought that this team would be considered for the Sportsmanship Award, but you never expect it. We had quite a few great leaders, excellent student-athletes, and all were great teammates.
One of the things that make this award special is that many people involved in the State Tournament vote. Parents, fans, coaches, as well as players are all a part of the award. This makes the award something our whole community is proud of! The Sportsmanship Award really caps off a great season for us.
Coach Litscher has been the head tennis coach at Eau Claire Memorial for the past 29 years. One of the many things he enjoys about coaching is watching his players grow and mature as players and people. He commented that this group really made the most of playing tennis at Memorial. He said they were great when they came into our program and even better when they left.
Congratulations!
Congratulations again on a great season and winning the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award. This is a great achievement for the Eau Claire Memorial community.
