By Brian Ramsey
OBU Sports Information

RUSSELLVILLE — The Great American Conference announced its sportsmanship awards for the 2021-22 season on Wednesday with Ouachita Baptist University earning the honor in men’s cross country and women’s tennis.

This is the second straight year for women’s tennis to earn the league’s sportsmanship award. For men’s cross country, the honor comes in the sport’s first year of varsity competition.

The GAC sportsmanship awards are chosen by the head coaches of each respective sport.

“These awards tie into the NCAA Division II emphasis on sportsmanship and game environment,” said GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt. “We are proud of these institutions that have displayed success on the scoreboard and in ways that aren’t necessarily reflected in wins and losses.”

In 2012, the GAC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiated a sportsmanship award to be presented for all team sports. The winning school receives a banner similar to the one presented to GAC tournament championship winners. The goal of the program is for member institutions to promote good sportsmanship among its teams, fans, and all involved with the events.