After a plea for Random Acts of Sportsmanship (RAS) to be forwarded to the CYC office, we are proud to say Good Sportsmanship is practiced at CYC games!  We want to thank all of you that sent us notes on what you observed, and congratulate the following players, teams and coaches on being recognized for their RAS.  Below are their stories:

- Megan Forget - While officiating a St. Alban Roe high school volleyball game the referee couldn't help but notice Megan taking care of everyone on her team.  Her team is made up of players with a variety of skill levels, and Megan was so positive with every player on her team.  She praised them when they did well, and encouraged them after misplays.  She was the main reason the girls were enjoying the game and not worried about the score.  Megan you were seen as a great teammate and a wonderful sport.

- Taylor Anderson - Taylor is the goalie for the St. Richards 6th grade soccer team.  A St. Clement parent was the one that sent us a note.  He was so impressed by what Taylor did after the game.  During the game there was a hard collision between Taylor and a St. Clement forward.  The forward fell to the ground and was a little slow to get up, but play continued.  After the game Taylor sought out the St. Clement's player to make sure she was not hurt and to let her know it was not intentional.  A great example of playing hard but respecting your opponent.  Taylor, your sportsmanship really stood out!

- Gina Giegling - Seven Holy Founders volleyball coach and tournament director.  During the SLAM for CF at SHF, the 8th grade Our Lady of Providence was knocked out of the playoffs based on an official's error.  Once the error was noticed it was too late to correct it.  Gina apologized to the OLP coach and team.  Then she went the extra mile by showing up at OLP's next practice and giving all the players a Championship T-shirt and thanking them for being so understanding.  She could have easily just let it go, but her extra effort was recognized and appreciated by the OLP folks.

- OLP 8th grade girls volleyball team - Yes, we want to recognize them for the above mentioned incident.  Coach Kathleen Hummel and her team could have been angry, upset and reacted in a negative manner when they were bounced out of the tournament by mistake.  However, they chose the high road and showed great class and dignity.  They displayed great control and understanding in a pressure packed situation.  Thank you for that coaches and girls.

- Mitch Mense - 5th grade soccer goalie for St. Ambrose.  Mitch came out to play a 50-50 ball in a game against St. Margaret of Scotland.  Mitch grabbed the ball just before both players collided.  Mitch stayed on his feet and his opponent was knocked to the ground behind him.  Without hesitating, while still holding the ball, Mitch turned around and help the St. Margaret player to his feet and gave him a pat on the back.  The person that sent us this RAS, said it looked so natural!  We hope great sportsmanship is natural for all the CYC players!

- Julie Simonson and Tom Korte - 5th grade girls Annunciation volleyball coaches - These two new volleyball coaches were recognized by an opposing coach as being so positiive and so encouraging to their players.  The coach said they congratulated their players for even the smallest progress.  These two coaches set such a great example of positive reinforcement and coaching that their fans were also very positive in their cheering.  The actions of Julie and Tom made for a very positive experience for everyone in the gym that day!

We are getting into playoff time for soccer and volleyball.  Please keep your eyes open and report any and all Random Acts of Sportsmanship to buzzswanston@archstl.org