The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award — and the recipient of the Class 6A Sportsmanship Award was Royal Palm Beach High School.
The Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award recognizes schools that promote sportsmanship both on and off the field. It is given to schools whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the 2024-25 regular season, as well as during the many FHSAA state competitions.
This year, 10 high schools and two middle schools in Florida received this prestigious award, presented annually since 1991 and named in honor of FHSAA Commissioner Emeritus Fred E. Rozelle.
“It is our pleasure to once again promote the outstanding sportsmanship displayed by our member schools,” FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon said. “The student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents and fans of these well-deserving programs exemplify the true meaning of sportsmanship. On behalf of the FHSAA, permit me to congratulate each of these schools for the remarkable job being done to educate our students-athletes here in Florida on the value of good sportsmanship.”
The award is presented to one school in each classification, whose total sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, as demonstrated by its coaches, players and spectators. Awards are also given to a runner-up within each classification.
Criteria for selection of the winners includes programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; the number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and the source of the nomination.
The winner of each classification will receive $2,500 and a plaque. Runners-up receive $500 and a commemorative plaque.
RPBHS Athletic Director Eric Patterson was extremely proud to accept the honor on behalf of the Royal Palm Beach High School’s athletic program.
“This honor recognizes our school’s unwavering commitment to integrity, respect and sportsmanship throughout all levels of athletic competition,” Patterson said. “This achievement is a direct result of the intentional structure, consistent dialogue and year-round collaboration between our school administration, coaching staff and student-athletes. Regular meetings and open discussions have allowed us to build a culture where sportsmanship is not just expected, but practiced daily.”
According to Patterson, his head coaches and their many assistants set the tone for what is expected from the student-athletes on the school’s varsity and junior varsity athletic teams.
“A key component of our success has been the clear communication between head coaches and their assistants, especially around who may appropriately address game officials,” Patterson said. “Our coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that only head coaches engage with officials during contests, which has helped maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout our competitions.”
Patterson believes that RPBHS receiving the Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award is the direct result of all athletes, coaches and administrators at the school being on the same page.
“Winning this award is more than a recognition. It’s a reflection of the shared values and teamwork that exist between our coaches, athletes and administrators,” he said. “It is a testament to what can be accomplished when we work together toward a common goal of excellence, both on and off the field.”
The other Florida schools receiving the sportsmanship award for the 2024-25 school year are: Rural, Munroe High School (Quincy); Class 1A, Hernando Christian Academy (Brooksville); Class 2A, Mater Bay Academy (Cutler Bay); Classes 3A and 4A, no recipients; Class 5A, Blanche Ely High School (Pompano Beach); Class 7A, Hialeah Gardens High School; and Middle School, Yearling Middle School (Okeechobee). Runners-up include: Rural, Ponce de Leon High School; Class 1A, Keswick Christian School (St. Petersburg); Class 2A, Tampa Prep; Classes 3A through 6A, no recipients; Class 7A, Coral Reef High School (Miami); and Middle School, Inverness Middle School.
