Tiger Shark catcher receives recognition for ‘exceptional sportsmanship’

When the Port St. Joe baseball team defeated Bozeman on Thursday, March 23, the Tiger Sharks, and especially one player, displayed such positive attitudes that the home plate umpire, Eric Keller, sent an “exceptional sportsmanship report” to the FHSAA. 

Keller’s report noted that “Coach Summerlin and his coaching staff, players, and fan base is excellent. One particular individual, CJ Conway’s attitude during this contest was exceptional….and displayed a positive attitude through out [sic] this entire contest.” 

Conway occupied the catcher position during the Bozeman contest, so Keller had a close-up view of him at work. 

In response, FHSAA Communications Specialist Kelvin Richardson contacted Port St. Joe athletic director Tanner Jones on Monday, March 27, with a congratulatory email. 

Richardson wrote that the FHSAA “takes great pride in promoting good sportsmanship through athletics. And, your student-athletes, fans and administrations are outstanding examples of what it means to be ‘good sports’.” 

Noting that good sportsmanship “is a direct reflection of your administration and leadership,” Richardson added that Jones and Port St. Joe will be nominated for the FHSAA Fred E. Rozelle sportsmanship award, and that “we look forward to hearing more great things about Port St. Joe High School in the future!”