Oak Harbor football team receives sportsmanship award

By JIM WALLER
Whidbey News Times Sports editor
December 6, 2012 · 8:36 AM

For the second time in three years, the Oak Harbor High School football team has earned the John Trotto Sportsmanship Award.

The honor is presented by the Whatcom Skagit Island Football Officials Association, which started the award after the passing of assignor John Trotto in 1977.

Officials from the WSIFOA rate each school's players and coaching staff on a 10-point scale after each game and the school with the highest total at the end of the year receives the award.

In explaining the award, current WSIFOA assignor Larry LaBree said, "We intend to reward good conduct and especially the willingness to treat both opponents as well as our officials with respect during varsity football games."

Oak Harbor Athletic Director Nicki Luper said she is "very proud of the leadership" provided by the coaching staff and "the importance placed on sportsmanship in our football program."

The WSIFOA officiates for 22 schools and divides the group into northern and southern divisions. Oak Harbor was the leader among the 11 southern schools this year. Mount Baker High School received the award in the north.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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