SOMERSET, N.J. (Dec. 6, 2012) – In the first wave of Northeast Conference team sportsmanship awards for the 2012-13 academic year, Saint Francis U led all fall sports with three selections. SFU claimed awards in field hockey, women's volleyball and men's cross country.
 
Now in its fifth year of existence, the Red Flash have led the NEC in team sportsmanship honors overall in each of the previous four years. Saint Francis has won 26 awards in total over that time span.
 
Instituted by league Presidents in 2008, the awards are designed to acknowledge the team in each conference sport that, in the opinion of its peers, most closely demonstrates good sportsmanship based on the NEC Principles of Sportsmanship and Standards of Conduct.  Voting is conducted at the conclusion of each season by each team and head coach, who rank teams within the conference based on a set of criteria.
 
“The Northeast Conference holds the principles of sportsmanship and pursuing victory with honor in the highest regard,” said Noreen Morris, NEC Commissioner.  “I applaud our student-athletes, coaches and fans for their commitment in this area, and congratulate those teams honored for their role in promoting the ideals and fundamentals of good sportsmanship.”
 
Fall Award Recipients
Men's Cross Country - Saint Francis U
Women's Cross Country - Bryant
Field Hockey - Saint Francis U
Football - Duquesne
Men's Soccer - Mount St. Mary's
Women's Soccer - Central Connecticut
Women's Volleyball - Saint Francis U