BRIDGEWATER, Mass. --- The Collegiate
Basketball Officials Association (CBOA) has named the Bridgewater
State College men’s basketball team as the 2007-2008
recipient of the Schoenfeld Sportsmanship Award for the Eastern New
England Region as announced by executive secretary Tom Lopes. The
award will be presented on May 18 at the Hilton in Mystic,
Connecticut.
The award is named for Sam Schoenfeld, one of the
CBOA’s founding fathers, and has been presented since the
1956-57 season. Accordingly, the award is presented to the college
or university that best exemplifies the highest degree of
sportsmanship, character, and ethics among their players, coaches,
and spectators.
This marks the second time that head coach Joe
Farroba’s squad has been tabbed for a sportsmanship
distinction from the CBOA. After the 1997-1998 season, the
men’s basketball team received regional honor as well.
“I am extremely proud of Coach Farroba, his staff and his
players for earning this distinction,” said Director of
Athletics and Recreation John Harper. “This
proves that not only can a team play and compete hard, but they can
do so with dignity and sportsmanship. This is truly a winning
combination.”
BSC was chosen to receive the award over more than 200 Colleges
and Universities in the New England region. In addition to the main
award that is presented at the banquet, ten regional awards are
given out to colleges in the New England, New York, Pennsylvania,
and Mid-Atlantic regions. Last year, Rhode Island College received
the award for the Eastern New England region.
“It really speaks to the program, the players, coaches and
our fans,” said Farroba who just completed his 16th season as
the Bears’ head coach. “When we play at home, we always
get great support from our fans. They are always spirited and
enthusiastic.
“When you see a lot of the negative (in the news) parts of
sportsmanship, it’s great to see that some of the good values
are being recognized,” said Farroba.
The men’s basketball team finished this season with an
overall record of 13-13 and 6-6 in the MASCAC. Two players were
named to the all-conference team which included senior guard Tom
Cuddihy (Scituate, MA) and junior forward Roland Millien
(Stoughton, MA). Freshman forward Judah Jackson (Everett, MA) was
also named the MASCAC Rookie of the Year.
Release written by Steven M. Miller, Jr --- Sports Information Correspondent