Parents:
“My family has been so happy and confident to participate in the Rookie league for the first time, primarily because Coach Ron Frasco’s Mustangs understand and practice true sportsmanship.  As these boys step into the world of manhood, the coaches place responsibilities on the players regarding their baseball behavior, attitudes and even outside habits (such as caring for their uniforms and schedules).  Our son has witnessed other teams fall apart under frustration, while our team has faced wins and losses with admirable courage and grace.  The whole CHAMP program is to be applauded for encouraging, recognizing and celebrating excellence in the character leadership.”

“Volleyball is one of my daughter’s passions.  However, the skills she has acquired go far beyond the court.  I have seen her positive attitude and her hard work, accountability for her actions and her ability to learn from her mistakes extend, not only to other sports, but into the classroom.  Being a part of a “team” and relying not only on yourself, but others, is the foundation for success in almost all future activities.  Whether it is sports, work, family or the community, hard work, positive attitude even when things are not going your way, accountability for your actions and respect for others is the foundation for success!”

“My daughter plays basketball for Lincoln Junior High.  I also coach football at Lincoln.  Here are some facts that describe the character I hope my daughter and her teammates learn and use.

I try to teach my daughter to be a good person, student and leader.  By playing sports, she will be around coaches that will reinforce anyting about character building that I try to teach at home.  It is easy for teens to get into trouble today.  However, by playing sports they have a chance to be with other teens after school, trying to accomplish athletic and academic goals that will reap benefits down the road.

Lincoln is a tough place to teach and coach.  There are a lot of good people there, from administrators, teachers and students.  I do feel comfortable sending my daughter there to learn and grow.  When I see my daughter play, I am proud of her.  I am more comfortable knowing that the CHAMP program is reminding players, parents and coaches that building character in a teen is more important than winning games.”

Players:
“Our team’s emphasis on positive character has impacted far beyond just our players.  It has extended out and impacted the whole school community.  Players have worked to improve their character in all aspects of their life.  I personally have been encourage to show good character, and I’ve been healthily reminded that I need to show good character.”

“The best example of good sportsmanship that I saw from a teammate this year was Jaden, who has fybromayalga.  One game we were down to only 8 men and Jaden was struggling.  He still went onto the field so we wouldn’t forfeit.  He is not the best play on the team and he knows it.  But he knows that teamwork means helping the team any way you can…no matter what.”

“If I coach, I will encourage my players to model the character quality of good sportsmanship.  The way I see it, it’s not all about winning or losing, but it’s whether or not you make it fun for yourself and others.”

“I play basketball for Lincoln because a lot of my friends play and this will be my second year playing basketball.  I also wanted to play basketball for Lincoln because I can keep my grades up and I stay out of trouble that way. 

What I have learned from playing sports is that you are here to play and have fun.  Also you don’t have to be good to play a sport, you just have to try hard and you have to want to want it.  That’s what I learned from trying to play this sport. 

This sport has helped me develop my character because before I started playing basketball I wouldn’t do my homework.  I didn’t like meeting new people and I was a couch potato.  I trust Mr. Perez because I came to try-outs late and he still let me play and I need to show him the same.

The positive experiences that I have learned from sports are that you can meet new people.  Also, that you can trust your teammates.  The third thing is that playing sports isn’t always about winning or losing.”

Coach:
“I’m very pleased with how the CHAMP program has influenced our basketball team.  As a coach, I believe that class, hard work, sportsmanship, and teamwork are the most important qualities in a successful team.  I can honestly say that no matter how many sins and losses end up on the scoreboard at the end of the season, our true victory comes from being content in knowing that we have developed and will maintain our character both on and off the court.  Our team has learned that character is the single most important aspect in measuring success.  The CHAMP program has helped us strive for greatness and provided out team with a quality standard of what it means to have true character in athletics.”

Officials:
“As an official, it’s important that I see players who play with a positive attitude towards other teams, their teammates and officials and coaches.  I’ve watched this team play a number of times.  All the players do an exceptional job of not only exuding good sportsmanship when winning, but also when down in the score!”