FHSAA names Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award winners

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida High School Athletic Association named the Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award winners Tuesday afternoon, award 16 schools in seven classifications plus middle schools with recognizing member schools that promote sportsmanship both on and off the field in Florida that demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the 2022-2023 regular season and and in FHSAA State Series competition.

“Sportsmanship is one of the original pillars of the Florida High School Athletic Association,”  said Craig Damon, FHSAA Executive Director in a press release. “It is an honor to recognize our member schools for upholding the standards established by the founding members of this association. Congratulations to the student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, and fans of these schools on being recognized as the 2023 Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award winners and for embracing the importance of good character and ethical conduct.”

The award, presented annually since 1991, is named in honor of FHSAA Commissioner Emeritus Fred E. Rozelle and is presented to one school in each classification whose total sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship as demonstrated by its coaches, players and spectators. Awards are also given to a runner up within each classification. Criteria for selection of the winners includes programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; the number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and the source of the nomination.

Teams winning the classification for the award will take home a $2,500 award and a plaque while the runner-ups are awarded $500 and a plaque.

FIRST PLACE & RUNNER-UPS

CLASS 7A: Alonso (Tampa), Royal Palm Beach

CLASS 6A: Springstead (Spring Hill), Pace

CLASS 5A: Lely (Naples), Lake Buena Vista (Orlando)

CLASS 4A: Bay (Panama City), Holy Names (Tampa)

CLASS 3A: Northside Christian (St. Petersburg), Posnack (Davie)

CLASS 2A: Keswick Christian (St. Petersburg), Northview (Century)

CLASS 1A: Wildwood, Aucilla Christian (Monticello)

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Crystal River Middle, Weston Christian

Some information used in this article came directly from the FHSAA press release regarding the Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award.