2022 STEPHEN B. LESLIE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

November 6, 2022

Host: NESSA

Sharon HS was slated to host the 2020 NIT.  Then covid hit and things did not get back to "normal" until spring of 2022.  Despite a two-year pause, when many of the movers and shakers in the SHS program had graduated and moved on, the squad was able to host one of the best NITs in its short history.

Lake sailing can lead to tricky wind conditions.  This year's NIT was no exception.  While 10 schools from coast to coast arrived on time and were ready to go, the wind was not.  And we sat until 2 pm before a steady breeze filled in.  But the Race Committee was ready, getting quality races off in a quick fashion.  Recognizing that high school sailors got hungry and we were going to be at the venue much longer than anyone had planned, Sharon HS sailors took it upon themselves to make individual team pizza orders at their own expense. This thoughtful act was much appreciated when the sailors (and coaches) finally hit the beach as the sun was setting.

From race management, to communication, to logistics, Sharon HS had a well thought out plan that they executed flawlessly.  Sportsmanship is sometimes hard to describe, but you know it when you see it.  The manner in which Sharon HS ran the NIT is now the standard that others should subscribe to.