(Herkimer, NY – Aug. 2013) The Herkimer County Community College Athletic Department is the recipient of the 2013 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region III Sportsmanship Award.
The award, in its fourth year, recognizes member institutions that exhibit dedication to the honor and integrity of intercollegiate athletics and whose student-athletes and staff display outstanding sportsmanship during competition throughout the year. This award was created by athletic directors of the 26 colleges in Region III to recognize their peers who strive for excellence in all areas of athletics.
Donald Dutcher, Director of Athletics, said “We are proud to be a top athletic program on the field and in the classroom, but being recognized for integrity and sportsmanship is just as important. This award means as much to me as winning a national championship.”
Dean of Students Matthew Hawes said, “We strive to create a winning philosophy, but equally as important, is for our students and coaches to demonstrate good sportsmanship. The development of character through fair play and spirited competition is what makes our program one of the best in the country.”
In 2012-2013, the Generals won national titles in men’s soccer and softball, and regional titles in men’s soccer, men’s basketball and softball. Herkimer athletes who won individual national championships were Sarah Foley (women’s individual bowling singles and all events), Sara Edenhofer and Sarah Foley (women’s bowling doubles), Wendall Williams (100m and long jump) and Joe Shinn (decathlon).
Herkimer has been named among the top five junior college athletic programs in the nation by the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) for the past 10 years. The Generals have won 43 national championships, 92 Region III championships and 30 National Academic Team of the Year awards.