Sportsmanship

One thing Norwich athletes agree on is the importance of sportsmanship and integrity.

Sportsmanship is defined by the NCAA as a set of behaviors to be exhibited by student-athletes, coaches, game officials, administrators and fans in athletics competition."These behaviors are based on values, including respect, civility, fairness, honesty and responsibility," says the website.

Patrick Finamore, a 19-year-old sophomore civil engineering major from Glastonbury, Conn., who is a rugby player for Norwich agrees sportsmanship is important.

"(One way you show sportsmanship in my sport) is being nice to the referee and not over react on a bad call," said Patrick.

Over reacting to bad calls can sometimes land athletes in trouble with the NCAA.

Colin Bleem, a 19-year-old sophomore criminal justice major from Methuen, Mass., and a rugby player for Norwich thinks sportsmanship is key.

"Young kids look at us to set the example and that's why I think the NCAA emphasizes so much on it," he said."Without sportsmanship there would be a lot of fights in every sport."

NCAA has for years emphasized sportsmanship and integrity to build character in athletes. They consider today's athletes to be tomorrow's leaders.

David Mckaig, a 20-year-old cross country sophomore double majoring in history and political science from Tempe, Ariz., sees more than that.

"Integrity and sportsmanship is important because it shows you can beat the other person/team fairly and know how to take a loss with grace,"he said.

Nathan Holtgrewe, a 19-year-old sophomore computer science major from Webster, N.H., plays club hockey for Norwich.He said, "Without sportsmanship and (integrity) there would be no organization in sports and it'll be one big mess."

Mitch Przybocki, 19, a sophomore communications major from Middletown, N.Y., sees sportsmanship as a building block.

"Without sportsmanship, where does the love, passion and pride of the game go?" said Mitch.