The Lopez Island High School 2008 football team was recently honored by receipt of the 2008 John Trotto Sportsmanship Award for demonstrating consistently high sportsmanship. This annual award considers all the teams in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties for their attitude and respect toward game officials and opponents, as determined by a vote of the game officials serving those teams during the season. Lopez earned the award for the Southern Division – representing approximately half of the 22 teams in the four counties. Lopez scored the highest of the 22 teams in the season-long compilation of the official’s votes after each game they officiated.

“Congratulations to all this year and please know that we believe the quality of teams in terms of sportsmanship…is generally very high in comparison to what we tend to see from schools outside our (officiating) area”, said Larry LaBree, of the official’s organization, in a written communication to the coaches.

A trophy will be presented by the official’s organization to Lopez at an upcoming basketball game to be determined.

“We are sure proud of our athletes and their coaches”, said Superintendent Bill Evans. “This award is validation of the high values of our student athletes and the district’s efforts to promote good sportsmanship”, said Evans.