On June 10 in St. Louis, Spencerport Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Josh Harter will receive the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance Award (CTSA). The National Federation of State High Schools Association selected Coach Harter. "It is an honor to receive the award on behalf of my team and coaching staff and I look forward to representing the Spencerport School District and community in St. Louis," said Harter. The CTSA is the largest coalition of professional and amateur athletic organizations in the U.S., focused on building character in sport. The CTSA Awards recognize outstanding professional and amateur athletes for their contributions to the highest ethical standards in sport including outstanding ethical conduct, community service, citizenship and sportsmanship. The CTSA recognizes Coach Harter's leadership on the court when the Spencerport Rangers Basketball team played at Greece Athena on February 16. Athena team manager, senior Jason McElwain, played his first game and thrilled spectators by scoring 20 points in six minutes. McElwain's playing time was a reward for his service to the team and Coach Harter readily cooperated with the Athena plan. Harter and his team's exemplary character and sportsmanship were vital to the experience and taught a life lesson in "real time." "The success that we've had in the season doesn't compare to how we handled ourselves. I couldn't have been more proud of our team on that incredible night," said Harter. In addition, for four years, Harter's team has organized a "Coaches Vs. Cancer" holiday basketball tournament charity fundraiser, donating more than $16,000 to the American Cancer Society. The team has also raised $4,000 to fund an annual scholarship in memory of basketball player Rob Stultz, who passed away from an undetected heart condition during a scrimmage in 1998. Harter and his team also volunteer to coach and referee the Spencerport Junior Ranger Basketball program. The CTSA will honor Coach Harter along with NBA star Grant Hill, baseball pitcher John Smoltz and NFL players Isaac Bruce and Hollis Thomas. NBC sportscaster Bob Costas is the emcee. Coach Harter also received a certificate of recognition from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for Spencerport's commitment to building character and sportsmanship. June 4, 2006 |
