March 26, 2009

In any power conference, sportsmanship is often discarded for the sake of results on the playing surface. At Maryland, the SAAC decided to spend time at each of its meetings focusing on team updates which included the results from competition or training, alongside witnessed acts of sportsmanship. The results in competition have been remarkable this year as the Terrapins have earned 4 ACC tournament championships, and 2 NCAA titles to date. The examples of sportsmanship have been just as remarkable though not recognized with any rewards or plaudits. This article will highlight a few examples of sportsmanship elucidated by SAAC representatives.

When the University of Maryland and Navy's wrestling teams assemble they are reminded of the rivalry formed over frequent meetings, close proximity, and the many years of tight matches. As the two teams gathered in the Comcast Center on January 30, both were overcome with a pressing desire to be the one on top at the end of the night; however, they first had to become one team before a winner or loser could be decided. Like the beginnings of any sporting event, the two teams stood separated in the gym staring up at the American flag awaiting the sound of the familiar national anthem, but difficulties with the audio system left the filled gym with empty silence. Anxious to get the match underway, a fan standing in the bleachers began the well-known beginning lines to the anthem and soon after many more joined. Coaches, fans, workers, and athletes bellowed the finishing lines. The separation between the two teams just became narrower, as they stood no longer representing their universities, but their country.

What happens under water, does not stay under water as proven by a recent match between the University of Maryland's water polo team and their opponent. During the match, one of the athletes on the opposing team dislocated her toe, but determined to finish the competition, she remained silent. She hid the injury successfully as she endured the match until the end; however, as the two teams lined up to shake hands her secret was revealed. Both teams witnessed the badly swollen toe that needed medical attention immediately. After discovering the traveling team was without a trainer, the University of Maryland student-athletes called for their trainer to ensure the athlete would be okay and receive the proper care necessary.

Arguably one of the best basketball players in the nation - the talent of Kristi Toliver is undeniable - what most do not know is the heart of the five-foot seven-inch point guard. You often hear about the commitment in sports in which the athlete stays after practice to fine-tune a particular skill, watch films, or shoot free throws, but not often do you hear about the heart that reaches out to young fans at a mentally challenging time. During a game at the beginning of this season Toliver drove to the basket, went up for a shot, and was brought down hard by her opposition. The flagrant foul knocked the superstar to the floor, but not for too long. Toliver stood up with composure and dignity, walked towards two youngsters in the audience, and gave them both high fives. After months of training, athletes live for the moments when they are able to compete.

Sometimes all the hours of preparation become meaningless when unexpected situations come to surface. An unavoidable circumstance took place on the University of Maryland's Track and Field team when one of the runners was plagued by food poisoning. Despite the overwhelming feelings of nausea, the athlete dressed in his Terp uniform and participated in his scheduled race. The runner's mental state presided over his physical health, as he took 7th place, gaining crucial points for his team.

With every competition the student-athletes at the University of Maryland enter, they are not merely concerned with the end result, but the lessons learned throughout the journey. They believe that before we are rivals, we are citizens of the same great country, and are compelled to treat opposition with compassion as though they were one of our own. The athletes understand the way that small acts of sportsmanship can influence the spirit of the game, and the on looking perspective of a young child. The most admirable aspect of these acts of sportsmanship is that they are happening naturally, as the Terrapin student-athletes are intrinsically motivated to their personal development through athletic competition.