March 12, 2008

Center Valley, Pa. - In the spirit of ethical conduct and good sporting behavior, the Patriot League recognizes and honors exemplary sporting behavior with the Patriot League Award of Good Sporting Conduct. The most recent recipients of the award both hail from the United States Naval Academy, as Navy men's cross country Head Coach Al Cantello and women's rowing volunteer assistant Captain Andrea Stover become the 13th and 14th winners of the award.

Going above and beyond the duties of simply "coaching", Cantello has embodied the sport of cross country over the past four decades. He never hesitates to stick up for the runners, and not only "knows" his running, but loves through them, so he shares both success and failures. He has coached and enforced good sportsmanship and professional behavior within his team. After losing the 2007 Patriot League Championship by one point, he ensured that the team held their heads up and congratulated the winning team on their victory.

CAPT. Stover works as a volunteer coach for the U.S. Naval Academy women's rowing team. She is a great example of an officer for the team and also brings a level of intensity, dedication and motivation to the team that is absolutely invaluable. She completes workouts with the team off the water, comes everyday on the water and mentors the girls both professionally and athletically.

All Patriot League student-athletes, coaches, teams as whole and staff members associated with the intercollegiate athletic program that demonstrate good sporting behavior are eligible to receive this award. There is no limit on the number of awards that will be given. Institutions are encouraged to nominate and recognize as many acts of good sporting behavior as are exhibited. Individuals and teams can be nominated by any institutional or Patriot League staff member. A staff member can nominate anyone from his or her own institution or any Patriot League institution. To nominate an individual or team, contact Richard Wanninger at the Patriot League office to receive a nomination form or click on the link below. The completed form should be signed by the Athletic Director or their designee and returned to the Patriot League office.

Patriot League Award of Good Sporting Conduct Nomination Form