Around the Schools
Cleveland football coach receives state sportsmanship award
Ronn Jackson, football coach at Cleveland High School, has received the 2011 Pacific Northwest Football Officials Association Sportsmanship Award. This award is given annually to the high school football coach in Washington state that exemplifies true sportsmanship throughout the season - regardless of the team's win/loss record.
The Inscription on the plaque says: “Victory is in the Quality of Competition, not in the final score,” a quote from Mike Marshall, a former major league baseball pitcher.
Football officials across Washington cast their vote for the award. It was Jackson's ability to ensure that his players’ demonstrated sportsmanship during every game, no matter what odds, that inspired the Pacific Northwest Football Officials to recognize the entire team.
The award was a surprise to Jackson who was attending the event to support Clarence Coler, who received the top high school athlete sportsmanship award.
Photo: Ronn Jackson with his 2011 Sportsmanship Award