Jamie Brinnen state runnerup in MSHSAA essay contest

The Missouri State High School Athletics Association has announced that Gallatin seventh-grader Jamie Brinnen is the state runnerup in the 2005 MSHSAA Junior High Sportsmanship Essay Contest.

Jamie, daughter of Randy and Marsha Brinnen, was one of seven state finalists who received prizes from MSHSAA and various attractions and franchises around Missouri, including ticket, mementos, promotional items and special tours. The essays for all seven finalists will be posted this month in the Sportsmanship Area of the MSHSAA web site.

Jamie, and contest winner Dustin Wilkerson of Paris, Mo., are invited to attend the MSHSAA Sportsmanship Summit to be held Aug. 4 at the Holiday Inn Select in Columbia. Both Jamie and Dustin will be recognized during on-field ceremonies prior to the Cardinals-Atlanta Braves game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 5. They will receive game tickets, suite accommodations and special on-air recognition, courtesy of FSN Midwest and the MSHSAA.

Following is Jamie’s award-winning essay:

“What Should Schools Do to Promote Sportsmanship”

“Actions speak louder than words.” This familiar five-word phrase should be the standard to which schools adhere to promote sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship promotes positive self-esteem, as well as a respect and appreciation for others. It is a crucial part of social development that will be carried into other aspects of life. There are some basic principles that schools can emphasize to promote sportsmanship.

One thing schools can do to promote sportsmanship is to emphasize self-discipline. This involves demonstrating hard work, refraining from inappropriate behavior, self-control, and doing one’s best at all times. It is a commitment to fair play and integrity on the part of both coaches and players. Self-discipline is reflected in how one acts both on and off the playing field.

Another principle that promotes sportsmanship is emphasizing personal improvements and teamwork ahead of winning. This principle promotes character when athletes are able to perceive sports as a means of instilling good moral values such as working hard, cooperating with others, and becoming good citizens.

A third principle that promotes sportsmanship is an emphasis on having fun and enjoying the game. Unfortunately, too many coaches and parents emphasize winning at all costs. The fear of failure fosters self-doubt and stress – not enjoyment of the game.

A fourth principle that schools should promote is putting sports into the proper perspective. Few athletes are recruited to play sports at the college level. Even rarer are professional opportunities. No matter how hard one has played or practiced, in the end, it is still only a game.

Finally, schools should emphasize the importance of respect. Athletes should be taught the respect for self, the respect for others, and the respect for authority. This respect will promote fair play, integrity, and the importance of following the rules. When practiced in athletics, these traits will often carry over into other areas of one’s life. Good sports have better opportunities to succeed in the workforce because they understand the importance or respect of employees, superiors and coworkers.

In sports, as in life, one may not always win. One can, however, always learn something from the experience. When schools promote sportsmanship and emphasize striving for achievement, the foundation is laid for future successes in social situations, higher education, and the workforce.