Several St. Michael-Albertville youth basketball teams received Youth 1st Team Awards for exemplary behavior last season, and they were honored at a banquet Sunday afternoon.
The Knights teams received this award for receiving exemplary scores from the officials for their sportsmanship and positive conduct during the 2019 MYAS state basketball tournaments. The honored teams from STMA include: Boys 5A, 6A, 6B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 8C Gold, 8C Blue and Girls 4th Gold, 4th Blue, 5th Gold, 6th Gold and 7th Blue basketball teams. The award recognized positive behavior from not only the players, but the coaches and spectators as well.
“We are extremely proud of our teams,” said Joanna Bugbee, STMA boys youth basketball’s marketing and communications coordinator. “It’s important that our players know that it’s not only about winning, but it’s how they play the game and how they present themselves and our community.”
Representatives from Youth 1st and from MYAH (Minnesota Youth Athletic Services) attended the ceremony and spoke with players and their families about positive sportsmanship.
“As a leader in youth sports throughout the great state of Minnesota, we want to be proactive and impact participants (youth athletes, coaches, parents, and officials) in a positive way through a Conduct 1st environment at all our tournaments and events,” said MYAS Executive Director Dawson Blanck. “Implementing this initiative with Youth 1st during the 2019 Grade State Basketball Tournaments significantly decreased the number of unsportsmanlike events that took place compared to previous years.”
STMA Varsity players attended to help the teams celebrate
Founder/director of Youth 1st, Mark Arjes, spoke with the teams