2021 Sportsmanship Finalists

Lexi Jansen

The junior swimmer tragically lost her twin sister, Abigail, in a tragic auto accident during this past season, She fought through that to swim great races at the MSHSAA Class 1 State Finals. She tied for 10th in the 50 free and finished 12th in the 100 free race.

Riley Polk

The Eagles’ starting catcher has battled back from being diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in her right hip in late 2019. Her team organized a “Strikeout Childhood Cancer” benefit game against Dexter this spring.

Katie Griffin and Kinsley Murphy

The Van Buren cross country runners aided Ellington freshman Dylan Price, who eventually won the MSHSAA Class 1, District 1 race, by showing her the proper direction to take on the 5,000-meter Arcadia Valley Sports Complex course when she became confused on a turn.

Haley Smith

One day prior to the senior being able to compete in the MSHSAA Class 4 State Finals, the Southeast Missouri State recruit tested positive for COVID and had to sit out the biggest meet of her career. She bounced back with an eighth-place finish in the 800-meters at this spring’s MSHSAA Class 4 Track and Field State Finals.

New Madrid County Central boys golf

The Eagle team overcame the tragedy of losing one of their teammates in April. Through the devastation, the boys continued to play and completed the season.