TOWSON, Md. --- The Landmark Conference has named 44 student-athletes including four from Moravian College to the 2020-21 Winter All-Sportsmanship Team. The All-Sportsmanship Team includes one student-athlete from each institution for each sport and is selected by the players and coaches from their respective team.
The All-Sportsmanship Team recognizes student-athletes who epitomize the ideals of sportsmanship. The student-athletes selected demonstrate fair play, graciousness in victory and respectfulness in defeat. They are ambassadors for the team, both on and off the field, and galvanize their teammates toward their goals. These student-athletes exhibit respect for themselves, teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, spectators, and the greater campus community.
The All-Sportsmanship Team was created by the Landmark Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in 2013 as a way to highlight student-athletes who are making an impact. The Landmark previously awarded a Sportsmanship Cup before the All-Sportsmanship Team replaced the Cup for the 2013-14 academic year.
View the entire list of All-Sportsmanship honorees at https://landmark.prestosports.com/general/2020-21/releases/15112021-winter-sportsmanship-team.
Men's Basketball
Freshman guard Alex Dietz appeared in all nine games for the Greyhounds in the shortened 2021 season, and he started one contest. Dietz averaged 6.1 points per game to go with 17 rebounds, 12 assists and seven steals in his debut season.
"Alex had a strong start to his career and in a short time has already made a very positive impact on our program," said Head Men's Basketball Coach Shawn Postiglione.
Women's Basketball
Senior Sarah Donati moved into the starting line-up for the Greyhounds this winter but was limited to just three games due to an injury in the shortened 10-game season. Donati netted a career-high 18 points in the season-opening win at Lancaster Bible College including becoming just the sixth player in school history to net six three-pointers in a game. She finished her career with 66 points, 27 rebounds, seven steals and five assists in 35 contests.
"When you look up the definition of sportsmanship, it says: "fair and generous behavior, especially in a sporting contest." Sarah exemplifies that definition and more," commented Women's Basketball head Coach Mary Beth Spirk. "She had her season cut short due to injury, yet never stopped being a leader on and off the court. Sarah is competitive, but also understands that winning is not everything...being a good person far exceeds any win on the court. Sarah has fought through adversity, yet never felt sorry for herself. She is the ultimate team player and will be difficult to replace. I know success will follow for Sarah as she moves on after college."
Track & Field
Senior jumper and hurdler Cat Cole helped the Greyhounds, who did not compete indoors this season due to the pandemic, to Landmark Conference Indoor titles in 2018, 2019 and 2020 while competing in the 60-meter hurdles. She finished fifth in the conference in both 2018 and 2019. Cole also competed in the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdles outdoors while helping Moravian to Landmark Outdoor titles in 2018 and 2019, and her top finish outdoors was a seventh place in the 100-meter hurdles in 2018.
"Cat Cole is about as upbeat and engaging as any athlete we've ever had on the team," explained Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jesse Baumann. "If you're not smiling and in a good mood while you're around her, something is wrong with you. She's constantly interacting with, encouraging, and uplifting teammates and whoever else she meets, and you just feel like you're in a better mood after you spent some time with Cat!"
Junior thrower Tim King helped the Hounds, who also did not compete indoors this winter due to COVID-19, to Landmark Conference Indoor Championships in 2019 and 2020. He placed fifth in the weight throw last winter to earn points for Moravian, and he competed in the shot put in 2019. In his only outdoor conference meet action in 2019, King competed in the shot put, discus and hammer throw.
"Tim King is about as positive a person as I've met, always fun loving, warm, and welcoming" Baumann stated. "He debatably over-extends himself here at Moravian in activities, clubs, and organizations which is a reflection of his personality and character. He likes to be involved, impactful, and ultimately a positive influence for anyone he meets. Tim reminds me of the saying, "when life hands you lemons you make lemonade." Nothing seems to faze him, not a bad practice, meet, or otherwise stressful day. He's a tremendous example for other people to look towards on how to be engaged while a student-athlete and be a positive member of a campus community each day!"
