Haley Collins Exemplified for Outstanding Sportsmanship
August 30, 2017
Wins are great but when one of our athletes is exemplified as a model of sportsmanship, it is real special. Congratulations Haley Collins keep up the good work.
The following note comes from MSHSAA Volleyball official Bill Tholen:
Last night I worked a Quad Meet with Sandy Reichert, hosted by Drexel High School. I was the R2 in match between Ballard HS vs. Drexel HS, part of that Drexel Quad meet. Drexel won Game 1. Drexel had a large lead in Game 2, but Ballard rallied to win an exciting Game 2. As R2, I called captains to tableside for the cointoss for deciding game.
Before I could begin, Drexel captain #13 (Haley Collins) asked if she could say something before we had the cointoss.
She went on to compliment the opposing captain on their comeback victory, congratulating her on their fine play. Both the Ballard captain and I thanked the Drexel captain for her sportsmanlike and unsolicited comments, and proceeded with cointoss and Game 3.
It was a small but heartfelt moment in the course of the meet, but was a shining example of the Sportsmanship that we often talk about but rarely see during competition. A simple thing really---a player recognizing good teamwork and fine play by an opponent, and going out of her way to congratulate them. Her timing was perfect, her comments sincere and well-received.
I've officiated thousands of matches in my career, and this little incident stands out as the real reason for High School Athletics.
I know it's early in the season, but Haley Collins from Drexel High School gets my vote for Outstanding Sportsmanship.
Congratulations to Haley, her parents, coaches and administrators at Drexel High School------Well Done !