Gallatin R-5 eighth grader Jamie Brinnen is the state-level winner of the 2005-06 Missouri State High School Activities Association Junior High Sportsmanship Essay Contest.
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Jamie, daughter of Marsha and the late Randy Brinnen, previously won at the district level and competed for the top honor in the state against six other district-level winners.
The theme of this year’s contest was, "Why is Sportsmanship Important in Interscholastic Athletics?" Essays were written and researched by the individual student, without assistance from teacher, parent, guardian, sibling, acquaintance or school administrator.
Jamie received a certificate and prize for winning and the district level, and will receive additional prizes as the state winner.
Following is Jamie’s winning essay:
One of sports most respected and successful coaches, John Wooden, is credited with the quote,"Sports do not build character – they reveal it." How many of us have been saddened by television, newspaper, and radio reports of athletes involved in steroid abuse, immoral conduct, or brawls? Even more disturbing are reports of brawls among parents, coaches, players, and referees. Because of this trend, I believe that sportsmanship is important in interscholastic athletics because one’s character truly does count.
Although speed, strength, and agility are desirable attributes for any athlete, time does take its toll on all three. A positive attitude, a respect for peers and authority figures, and a teachable spirit last a lifetime.
A positive attitude is a powerful attribute of any athlete or team. Positive people achieve goals and attain success. A positive attitude motivates a person to accomplish personal goals and inspires others to achieve. It is a state of mind worth developing and strengthening.
A respect for peers and authority figures is vital for any athlete. To be successful, an athlete must respect his coach and acknowledge his role as a member of the team. This requires the realization that one’s actions will affect other people – not just oneself. In the workforce, the most desirable employees are those that get along with others, resolve conflicts, respect authority, and create a positive social environment. Whether as a member of a sports team or in the workforce, a respect for authority figures and peers is one of the strongest indicators of one’s character.
Finally, the value of a teachable spirit is beyond measure. Successful coaches lead players who trust that the coach knows what is best for the athlete and the team as a whole. An athlete with a teachable spirit accepts criticism and instruction, and is capable of considering consequences. He is willing to listen and continually learn. Teachable athletes and workers learn self-control and how to be accountable.
Sportsmanship isn’t just reserved for players on a court or playing field. It is an attitude that carries over into other areas of life. Inevitably, life presents challenges and disappointments. How we accept and react to these situations define us. Indeed, character truly counts.