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The Woodstock Academy was recently named a recipient of the Michaels Achievement Cup Award for the 2019-20 academic year.
The award is given by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference annually to 16 schools in the state who are part of the Class Act program.
It recognizes exemplary athletics programs for their willingness to subscribe to the Class Act Sportsmanship standards, empowering students to take an active role in their school climate and their continued support for community service.
Woodstock Academy head of school Chris Sandford said the award is a credit to the hard work of those involved with the school’s athletic department.
“Whether it’s the athletic administration, the student-athlete, the coaches, the parents on the sideline or the various members of our community who support the athletic program, this award is really a testament to their support. I could not be more proud of the athletic department as it works through this pandemic and still gives student-athletes opportunities,” Sandford said.
Athletic director Sean Saucier added that while state championships are memorable, honors like the Michaels Cup should not be forgotten.
“It’s really great,” Saucier said. “Sometimes, sportsmanship awards aren’t looked upon as highly as a competitive championship but as an administrator and athletic director, there is really nothing more important to me than how we act when we play, coach or are involved in interscholastic activities.”
Saucier feels that sportsmanship is something that is conveyed not only by words but also by actions, something he feels the Academy’s coaching staff and athletes were very effective in delivering last season.
“It’s a combination of a lot of individual and small efforts. A quick talk by a coach, a quick action by a player or team captain and then having the courage to address issues when they do come up. We’re not perfect. Things will never be perfect in terms of sportsmanship but you have to have the courage to address issues when they arise,” Saucier said.
He said it’s an award that should be shared by those beyond the athletic community in the school as well.
“Last year during basketball season, we tried to rally the troops and increase our student section. They rallied and did a pretty darn good job of meeting the expectations of cheering for our teams and not heckling the opponents,” Saucier said. “We just tried to create some really good, clean fun in regard to school spirit.”
Saucier added the Woodstock Academy athletic honor society also reinforces the importance of sportsmanship by attending both the Eastern Connecticut Conference and CIAC sportsmanship conferences.
“We offer a lot of sports here, some inside the CIAC, some outside, so it’s a testament to all of our athletes whether they play a CIAC-sanctioned sport or not,” Sandford said.
Woodstock Academy will be formally recognized during the CIAC’s virtual sportsmanship conference on Feb. 10.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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