How a team acts on the field is often a reflection of its character off the field. If there was any doubt of the character in the University of Oklahoma’s men’s lacrosse team they will have to be pushed to the side as they were one of just 11 teams in the nation to recently be awarded the James “Ace” Adams Sportsmanship Award.
“The schools being honored with the Ace Adams Award have demonstrated the ability to treat all involved in the game with respect,” said Tom Sutton, chair of the US Lacrosse men’s game officials’ subcommittee, in a release last Thursday. “Sportsmanship is achieved when participants treat others the way they themselves would be like to be treated, regardless of the level of competition. NILOA and US Lacrosse thank these institutions for their commitment to sportsmanship.”
The Ace Adams Sportsmanship Award has been given out annually by the US Lacrosse Men’s Collegiate Officiating Association since 2006 to honor teams that game officials feel uphold the tenants of sportsmanship and fair play. The award is given out in honor of Adams, who at the time of his retirement in 1992, was the winningest coach in Division I lacrosse and was also a 1975 inductee into the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Additionally, the award is available to all men’s collegiate teams, including NCAA Division I schools such as reigning national champion Denver, all the way down to club teams in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association, the league the Sooners compete in.
“After a historic season for the University of Oklahoma men’s lacrosse team, we were honored to be recognized for the very prestigious James “Ace” Adams Sportsmanship Award,” said new Sooners head coach Madison Dye. “To the team, this is a great reminder that playing the game the right way does not go unnoticed. Through the most wins in school history, and through a tough loss in the LSA semifinals the men, our coaching staff, and especially our fans have showed the outstanding sportsmanship and class that embodies the University of Oklahoma.”