RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. –  On Friday, the Great American Conference announced its sportsmanship awards for the 2023-24 winter and spring sports. The league’s head coaches chose the GAC Sportsmanship Awards, based on a point system.

Harding, Ouachita Baptist and Southwestern Oklahoma State each claimed two sportsmanship awards. The Bisons won the baseball honor for the fourth-straight year and for the ninth time in 11 seasons. They also collected their third-straight Men’s Golf Sportsmanship accolade.

Ouachita Baptist earned its fourth-consecutive Sportsmanship honor for women’s tennis. The Tiger softball team picked up their third sportsmanship award. SWOSU’s women’s golf team earned their seventh recognition while its men’s basketball team scored its first.

East Central’s women’s basketball team claims its sixth Sportsmanship award in the last seven seasons. The Northwestern Oklahoma State and the Southeastern Oklahoma State women picked up their first track & field recognitions.

“These awards serve as a reflection of the NCAA Division II emphasis on sportsmanship and game environment,” GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said.  “These selected programs have competed with dignity and class and have represented the GAC in a manner worthy of public admiration.”

In 2012, The GAC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiated a sportsmanship award to be presented for all team sports. The winning school will receive a banner similar to the one presented to GAC tournament championship winners. The goal of the program is for member institutions to promote good sportsmanship among its teams, fans, and all involved with the events.  

WWW.GREATAMERICANCONFERENCE.COM

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