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 55 years.
We would like to congratulate the Xavier Co-op on being this year’s recipient of the Girls Hockey Sportsmanship award. It’s the first time Xavier has won the sportsmanship award in any sport, whether as a stand-alone program or the lead school in a co-op.
When talking with Head Coach, Jeff Fox 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.
It is a nice honor and always rewarding being recognized for sportsmanship on and off the ice. Even nicer to top off the season with a championship and then be rewarded with the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award at the same time.
For the team it is a bonus since we had a target on our back all season as defending champions. During the season losing a few games taught the girls how to handle the disappointment and how much effort it takes. It showed them how it feels to lose and understand how to control their emotions. As coaches we are always emphasizing it is important to win or lose with class.
The hockey community is small but tight knit community. We the Fox Cities Stars being a team with student athletes from various schools, it is another great honor to bring the hockey world together as a proud team.
We talk about what sportsmanship feels like a lot and want to treat our opponents and referees the way we would want to be treated. It hit home a lot this year and we always teach the girls they are the only ones that can control their emotions and play at a high level and be proud of their effort and sportsmanship
Coach Fox has been coaching high school hockey for 15 years and has been the head coach for the Fox Cities Stars the past 7 years.
Congratulation again on a great season and winning the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship award. This is a great achievement for the communities involved with the Fox Cities Stars.
