Deb Petruzzello, AD, Woodrow Wilson Middle School

Editor's Note: At the September 5, 2012, CAAD Board of Control meeting, Woodrow Wilson Middle School was unanimously selected as this year’s sportsmanship award recipient and received a 4’ X 6” banner for display in their gymnasium. Congratulations to John Geary and the entire Woodrow Wilson Staff.


John Geary, the boys’ basketball coach at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, had a special needs child on his team as an additional player – not taking the place of any child who tried out. A player on the team for two years, Tony has played in many varsity and JV games. He attends most practices with the team and participates in the drills. When he gets in the games, the opposing coaches and officials are notified and Tony is allowed to shoot and play with little opposition. Our coach has instructed his players to play the game as usual, but they give up scoring opportunities by passing the ball to Tony so he can shoot. After scoring, this young man high fives his coach, officials and opposing team members and coaches with true joy and a sense of accomplishment as “one of the team.” Coach Geary has taught his team acceptance and sportsmanship through these actions during practices and games as well as in the hallways/classrooms. The opposing team members and coaching staff also demonstrate these same qualities during games when Tony is on the court; and fans from both schools often cheer him on and clap for him when he makes a basket.

As an athletic faculty manager, I have written to the other athletic directors in the Central Connecticut Middle School League to compliment them, their coaches and their teams for their display of sportsmanship during our games. Thursday, January 19, 2012 was the epitome of Tony’s basketball experience: playing against Dag Middle School (Wallingford), Tony got into the JV game with Wilson losing by eight points. As has been the practice, the Wilson boys passed the ball to Tony at every possession – ignoring their own desires to score and perhaps win the game. The opposing team also played soft defense against Tony allowing him to shoot – he even dribbled and shot! Tony ended up scoring ten points and shooting the winning basket as time ran out. In amazement during the game, I witnessed both teams and the crowd cheering and clapping for Tony; and, after time ran out, the Wilson team mobbed him, the crowd (parents and students) stood and cheered for him, while the opposing team congratulated Tony with handshakes, words and pats on the head. For that time, at least, differences were forgotten and the power of sport to bring out the best in athletes was demonstrated at the highest level.