MEDIA RELEASE
Spring Hill - The Florida High School Athletic Association announced that F.W. Springstead High is the winner of the 2022-23 Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for the 6A classification! The Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Program honors seven high schools schools statewide schools whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the regular season and FHSAA State Series.
Awards are presented to one winner and one runner-up in seven classes, as well as one Middle School classification. As the winner, Springstead will be awarded $2,500 and receive a commemorative plaque. This is the second time Springstead has received this prestigious award, having won the award for the 2009-2010 school year. Winners are selected based on programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; the number and type of unsporting conduct ejections; the number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and the source of the nomination.
In a letter to Springstead High, the FHSAA stated: "Your dedication and commitment to sportsmanship shines through the student body. This is a direct reflection of your administration and leadership. The FHSAA takes great pride in promoting good sportsmanship through athletics. And, your student-athletes, fans and administration are outstanding examples of what it means to be a 'good sport.'"
Springstead's Athletic Director Dustin Kupcik noted the contribution of the entire school family. "This sportsmanship award was earned by every student athlete, coach, parent and every fan who carried the qualities of good sportsmanship onto the field and into the locker rooms and bleachers."
Kupcik attributes some of the school's success to two factors: First are the parent meetings that are held for every sport where expectations of sportsmanship are discussed. Second is the Eagle Student Athlete Advisory Panel (ESAAP). This panel is made up of students and staff who meet to discuss, reinforce and promote sportsmanship. "We are certainly proud of the success of our teams on the field but this achievement elevates our athletic program and honors everyone who played a part," Kupcik said. "We are proud to be among this year's recipients."
The award, presented annually since 1991, is named in honor of FHSAA Commissioner Emeritus Fred E. Rozelle.