Athletic leaders from secondary schools in Nebo School District gathered on November 20, 2019, for Captains’ Academy, a program implemented to increase communication and friendship among student athletes and encourage sportsmanship and leadership.
Nebo School District held the Captains’ Academy for all Nebo, Provo, and Wasatch School Districts for their Junior High and High School sports captains participating in winter sports. This event, held three times a year, helps the student athletes focus on leadership and sportsmanship. The sports represented in the winter academy include boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, swimming; drill; and band.
The student athletes were first welcomed by Dr. Everett Kelepolo, Nebo Athletic Coordinator. The captains then heard from former House Representative 65, Francis Gibson on how to be a great leader. He stated how greatness comes from service, gratitude, listening, and humility.
The sport captains learned about leadership and sportsmanship from various leaders in sports and education including: Mike Hunter, athletic director at Provo High, that spoke on sportsmanship. He also asked a tough question of each captain, “Is it more important to win or have good sportsmanship?” Signs of good sportsmanship include being observant, respectful, and treating other fairly. Don’t do what you see on social media. We can talk about good sportsmanship, but actions are the most important.
Jentry Youd, assistant principal at Springville Junior, discussed “What is a leader?” and “What is the role of a captain?” During these discussions, the students collaborated in team building exercises to answer questions such as, “How do you as a captain instill sportsmanship at each individual school?”
All of the student captains sit at individual tables with their peers from other junior high and high schools. They listen to each presentation, and then work collaboratively to present back to the entire group their position and ideas.
Everett Kelepolo said, “Through Captains’ Academy, we hope students get a better idea of what it means to lead and the role of sportsmanship in athletics and activities. We hope the student leaders who attend Captains’ Academy will take what they learned and support others in their school.”
Congratulations to Ellie Boyer for answering this week’s “Where are we Wednesday?” challenge sponsored by Wiggy Wash.
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