“MARPSA GoodSport” Award Recipients Announced

(Salisbury, MD) The Wicomico County Recreation & Parks Department has announced the two county residents to represent the local sports at the annual “Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Sports Alliance GoodSport Awards Ceremony” on Monday, February 2 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. The event includes a reception co-hosted by the Alliance and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Michael Busch followed by recognition of all recipients at the evenings General Assembly session.

Taylor Phippin, a member of the Junior Girls Softball league and an 11th grade student at Parkiside High School, will represent County athletes and George Vogelsang, a Junior Girls Softball assistant coach will represent County coaches at the ceremony. Both were awarded Sportsmanship awards at the Wicomico County’s 2008 Annual Volunteer Banquet held in December.

The MARPSA GoodSports Award program provides an opportunity for member agencies to recognize both young athletes and coaches who have modeled GoodSports behaviors in local athletics.

Taylor was recognized for her desire, enthusiasm, and love for the sport of softball. Her attitude and sportsmanship are contagious and her commitment became the cog of the wheel that carried her team. Her willingness and team first attitude spread throughout the players and parents on the team. Her outstanding sportsmanship has been recognized and noticed by opposing coaches, parents, players, and umpires

George Vogelsang displayed outstanding morals and values when working with his 14 & under Softball team. He was very supportive of his players and always displayed a positive attitude at all times, in all situations, on and off the field. He was respectful of other coaches, players, and umpires setting a good example for all to follow. He exemplified the positive approach expected of youth coaches during games and practices.

The Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks’ Sports Alliance is a consortium of Recreation and Parks Departments, organizations representing sports officials, and sport governing bodies in the region. Each member organization designates one player and one coach to represent their community as a model of GoodSports.

The mission of the Alliance is to develop and communicate a consistent message that organizations and their players, coaches and spectators will be held accountable to a code of conduct that promotes GoodSports and keeps recreational competitive and non-competitive sporting activities in proper perspective.