APPLETON, Wis. -- Lawrence University track and field standout James Hahn has won the Midwst Conference Sportsmanship Award, the league office announced.
Hahn, a senior from Madison, was chosen for the award by the conference's awards
and recognition committee. The award goes to the top male and female athletes
for consistently demonstrating good sportsmanship and ethical behavior throughout
their sport's season while also demonstrating good citizenship outside the sports
setting.
Knox College softball player Monyca Fisher was the female winner.
Hahn, who starred at James Madison Memorial High School, has served as the captain of the program for the past two years. More importantly, Hahn has stood out based on sportsmanship qualities his coach has seen Hahn demonstrate.
"Most coaches and competitors remember James as the athlete who has always wished people luck on the line of a race and regardless of how he finished was the first person to congratulate competitors immediately after the effort," said head track and field coach Moira Ruhly.
Hahn's consideration for opposing student-athletes was most evident during an
indoor track meet this past season. While preparing for his main event, the
55-meter hurdles, he was warming up on the track while the women's 1,500-meter
race also was being run. At the conclusion of a close finish, one of the competitors
collapsed in exhaustion at the finish line. While everyone else watched, Hahn
stopped in the middle of his warm-up run to assist the young lady and make sure
she was all right before continuing his pre-race regimen.
Outside of his involvement in track, Hahn visits the Pioneer Village Retirement Community located near the Lawrence campus. Two years ago, he started weekly bingo games where he serves as the "caller." Hahn also serves as a tutor for biology and is a campus tour guide.