By By Chandler Myers
Escambia County High School was presented with a sportsmanship award last week at the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) All-Star activities in Huntsville.
The award was presented to 92 AHSAA schools that did not have any violations during the 2007-08 athletic seasons.
The award was presented at the first-ever Sportsmanship Banquet and Learning Through Sports, Inc. hosted the event.
Athletic director and head football coach Kyle Davis said the award is a great honor for ECHS and puts the athletics program in a good light.
The school received a banner at the banquet, which will be hung up at the school to display their achievement.
To be eligible for the award, schools could not have any fines, ejections, or other violations.
Davis said he likes that the AHSAA will honor schools that follow the rules and is going to do his best to keep earning sportsmanship awards.
The AHSAA has partnered with the STAR Sportsmanship program to attempt to curve bad sportsmanship by requiring student-athletes throughout the state to take an on-line course before they are allowed to suit up for any sport.
Davis said the program can be an inconvenience, but sees the rewards that come from it.
He added that with all the negative publicity taking place in the college and pro ranks kids need courses like these to remind them what sports are all about.