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We want to thank the folks that brought these 3 Random Acts of Sportsmanship (RAS) to our attention, and we encourage each of you to keep your eyes open for other RAS, especially now, during Playoffs and Spirit Games.  If you see something, simply e-mail the description to buzzswanston@archstl.org. 

1 - Casey McClure, 3rd grade boys soccer coach for St. Mary Magdalen was nominated by an opposing coach for his actions in a game back in October.  When the officials did not show up, Casey volunteered to referee a soccer game between his team and St. Gerard Majella.  Volunteering to officiate meant all the boys would still get to play the game.  But Casey showed great integrity when he had to call a penalty kick against his own team in a close game.  Then add to that, after his team lost a close game, each of his players made it a point to congratulate the St. Gerard players and say what a great game it was.  The St. Gerard players, coaches and parents were so impressed by this.  St. Gerard coach Paul Ruzicka said, "we are a better team because of the sportsmanship Casey and his players showed us today."  Thank you Casey and the St. Mary Magdalen soccer team for representing CYC Sports in such a wonderful way.

2 - In early fall, St. Elizabeth - St. Robert soccer parent and basketball coach Chris Arger passed away.  His daughter, Annelise plays on the 8th grade soccer team for SESR.  Before one of Annelise's soccer game this past October, Immaculate Conception - Dardenne coach, Jim Boyd, presented Annelise a memorial plaque honoring her father.  A number of parents e-mailed how incredibly touching and moving the gesture was.  We thank Jim Boyd and his ICD team for their Act of Sportsmanship and of Kindness.  Proving once again that there is so much more to CYC sports than the game itself.

3 - Ryan Janasik is a freshman at Kirkwood high school.  He plays soccer for the Pioneers, and grew up playing CYC soccer for St. Peters in Kirkwood.  Ryan took his Civics assignment to heart and elevated his Random Act of Sportsmanship to the International level.  While looking for a service project Ryan found  Honduras Relief, which is a Catholic based charity that helps the poor children of Honduras, and would love to provide them with soccer uniforms and equipment.  When Ryan looked at the Honduras website he saw kids kicking around a ball that was only rags tied together with string.  He saw children with no shoes or socks, with worn out shorts and shirts.  He wanted to help them play the game he loves.  So he made a plea to all the CYC parishes for donations of old jerseys and balls.  Ryan was overwhelmed with the responses he has received.  He has spent the last 6 weeks collecting uniforms, balls and equipment.  So thank you to all those parishes who pitched in to help Ryan.  To date Ryan has collected over 2800 uniforms!!!  He plans on sending them in December.  So it is not too late to donate, just e-mail buzzswanston@archstl.org and he will put you in touch with Ryan.  Although this RAS did not take place during a game, it will affect many lives and games in the future.  Great job Ryan!!!