CYC Sports

During the South County Boys 5th Grade District Championship basketball game several league coordinators and district officials spotted multiple Random Acts of Sportsmanship displayed by Jacob Hartman.  As Jacob and his Assumption basketball team battled for the chance to move on to the Archdiocesan Playoffs, Jacob kept the game in perspective.  He played hard and did not let the chances to be a good sport slip by.  Here is how the district officials described Jacob's sportsmanship:                                                                                  

- Midway through the 2nd period of a close game, a reserve player for the opponents turned the ball over by dribbling the ball off of his knee.  The opponent was very distraught and upset with himself.  Jacob walked over to him, put his hand on the opponents shoulder and said some kind words to his opponent.  Everyone in the stands could tell his words comforted an upset player trying to do their best.

- Later in the game, an opposing player took a nasty spill, and out of no where came Jacob to help him up and make sure he was not hurt.  The two players smiled at each other and the opponent thanked Jacob for the hand.

The game eventually went to overtime, and Jacob's team lost.  However, the talk in the bleachers was as much about the sportsmanship Jacob displayed as it was about the great overtime game.  It is awesome to know that we can have good, hard fought games and still respect each other by practicing good sportsmanship. We wish every CYC game was like that.

Studio Altius, the Official Photographer of the CYC, has joined with the CYC to be part of the Random Act of Sportsmanship program in 2010.  Studio Altius will take a photo of Jacob, which we will add to this story.  We thank David Cervan and Studio Altius for putting the emphasis on SPORTSmanship in Sports, and we congratulate and thank Jacob Hartman for putting sportsmanship into action.

Archdiocesan Basketball Playoffs are starting, and all the CYC Spring Sports beginning soon, so we invite you to report outstanding Random Acts of Sportsmanship when you see them, whether it is a player, coach, referee or fan.  Do your part to encourage Sportsmanship at all CYC sporting events.  All you have to do is send and e-mail to buzzswanston@archstl.org and describe the Act.  We will take it from there.  Thank you 

On Saturday March 27th, while basketball fans everywhere were trying to make heads or tails out of their NCAA March Madness brackets, seventeen teams of CYC 8th grade boys and girls converged on 4 gyms in the South Central District to play a couple games of basketball.  All six districts had at least one boys and one girls team in the CYC Spirit of St. Louis Games.  The South Central District led the way with 5 teams total. 

We want to thank Annunciation, Mary Queen of Peace, St. Peters and Sacred Heart in Valley Park, and all their workers at those parishes that hosted the games for the kids.  The players and coaches had fun and enjoyed the games, their district teammates and also their opponents.  Players and coaches chosen to participate in the Spirit Games should be living examples of the spirit and principles that the CYC has represented for over 60 years.  Those who came to watch were treated to some good basketball and great sportsmanship in the true spirit of CYC sports.  Congratulations to all the players and coaches for being chosen and thank you for participating in CYC sports.

The world reknown Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Chaifetz Arena (on the campus of St. Louis University) Saturday April 17th at 2pm.  The Globetrotters put on a great show for young and old alike.  They are offering a discount on specific tickets.  You can save $8 on tickets at the Lower Ends and Upper Sides, or save $7 on bleacher and upper end tickets.  To order tickets go to www.metrotix.com/promotions or call 314 534-1111.  Use the Promo Code: "GCYC" to get the discount.  Lower End & Upper Sides will cost $17 and Bleachers and Upper End seats will be $12.  Tickets must be ordered by April 16th at noon.  Enjoy the game, but don't hang on the rim like that!

Saturday March 13th was CYC Night at the Missouri Valley Women's Basketball Championships at the Family Arena in St. Charles.  Over 150 players, coaches and family members showed up to enjoy great college basketball.  The basketball was fast paced, the atmosphere was electric, as each school brought their pep bands and cheerleaders to root their teams on to victory.  The 5pm game between Illinois State and the University of Northern Iowa was a see-saw affair that saw UNI advance to the championship on a last second block (shown above) to prevent a game winning lay-up.  The nightcap featured a strong Creighton team that got off to a quick start and held the lead throughout.  On Sunday UNI won another tight one defeating Creighton 54-53 to advance into the NCAA tournament.

Not only did all CYC players in uniform get in free, but all CYC players also received a MVC souvenir.  Special prizes were awarded to all the CYC players that brought in a poster.  Everyone that came enjoyed the basketball and the college excitement.  Next year make plans to attend CYC night at the MVC Championships and help us fill the CYC end of the arena!!!