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Two Vermilion Community College athletes have been named winners of a new award launched this year by the Minnesota College Athletic Conference.
Shaquille Jackson of Vermilion’s football team and volleyball player Tatiana Whiting have both been picked to the All-MCAC Sportsmanship Team.
For the first time, the conference is honoring players for their sportsmanship and members of the select group were chosen by head coaches of each athletic team.
One athlete was named by each head coach for their team based on criteria they set with the expectation of promoting positive sportsmanship throughout the season.
Jackson, who hails from Washington, D.C., was a linebacker for the Vermilion football team and was one of the sophomores providing leadership to a group that was dominated by first-year players.
“He was selected because when the game was over, he would always show tremendous respect to the other team,” said Vermilion Head Coach Tyree Johnson. “He would always make sure the extracurricular activities didn’t really linger on the football field. He shows tremendous respect for opponents.”
Whiting, meanwhile, was a leader on the Vermilion volleyball team this fall. A sophomore from Baraga, MI, she stood out among the Ironhawks despite a difficult year on the court.
“Tatiana became an absolute leader for a struggling program this year,” said Vermilion Head Coach Aaron Bender. “She was always making sure not only our team, but the visitors, were taken care of before the game. She was kind and courteous to all coaches and officials every night.”
