The Joliet Township High School Athletic Program recently received the Southwest Suburban Conference (SWSC) Athletic Sportsmanship Award for the 2009-2010 School Year.
The Southwest Suburban (Blue) Conference awards a Sportsmanship Team of the Year through the “Do What’s Right” Program at the Illinois High School Association. Through this program, SWSC coaches vote upon select team sports, while considering sportsmanship for the spectators, coaches and players. The votes are compiled over the course of the school year, and the team that earns the most points is designated SWSC Sportsmanship School of the Year.
Boys and girls soccer, volleyball, baseball, and boys football, softball and baseball were the teams voted upon by coaches. In addition to winning the Sportsmanship Award, JTHS was also honored for finishing first in girls soccer and baseball.
For JTHS, the recognition for sportsmanship is proof that the goals contained within the District’s Strategic Plan are making a difference. Strategy three of the plan states that JTHS will identify, model, reinforce, and measure the character attributes needed to compete and contribute as respectful, responsible, and productive citizens.
As a result of this strategy, JTHS has adopted seven character attributes: compassion, confidence, respect, tolerance, responsibility, integrity, and perseverance.
“I credit the Strategic Plan for our success,” said JTHS Athletic Director Chris Olson. “We have infused the character attributes into every aspect of our athletic program.”
JTHS athletic directors and coaches address and teach the importance of the Strategic Plan and seven attributes at Parent Orientation, Freshman Advisory, Captain’s Club, and at Athletic Awareness Events. They have also developed character-themed banners that are displayed throughout the school and in the field houses.
“The award truly signifies the strong character and dignity of our athletic directors, coaches, athletes, staff, parents, students, and the Joliet Community,” said Olson. “I feel privileged and honored to work in such an exceptional school district.”
