Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford announced today the league's 2009-10 Sportsmanship Award winners. Virginia freshman cross country and track & field student-athlete Robert Andrews was honored as the male recipient, while Clemson junior cross county and track & field student-athlete Stephanie Buffo was also honored individually and the team award went to the Georgia Tech baseball squad.
The ACC continues to implement various sportsmanship initiatives, including an emphasis on the importance of good sportsmanship between student-athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, alumni, and fans.
Andrews, from Manalapan, NJ, showed both humility and poise after an upset victory in the 800m men's title at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. After defeating Andrew Wheating, a 2008 Olympic athlete from Oregon, Andrews shared embraces and sincere congratulations with Wheating. He responded in an interview with great respect to his fellow competitor and noted that he has been a huge fan of Wheating since his Olympic trial.
In addition to his NCAA title, Andrews was also named the ACC Freshman of the Year for both indoor and outdoor track & field and was an All-American in both 800m races. He also anchored the champion 4x800m relay team at the prestigious Penn Relays, and was named the ACC Track Performer of the Year.
The ACC Sportsmanship Award winners were selected from a group of institutional nominees submitted by each school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and their advisors. To be considered, nominees must consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship and ethical behavior in his/her participation in intercollegiate athletics as well is in the community, and be in good academic standing.