SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – For the first time in league history, Western Illinois Athletics has been selected by its fellow institutions as the recipient of the Summit League Sportsmanship Award, the league announced Tuesday (May 21).

"This is an incredible honor, and a true testament to the culture created here at Western Illinois," said Interim Director of Athletics, Danielle Surprenant. "Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff should take great pride in this award, as we continue to represent ourselves and the University with good sportsmanship, both on and off the field of play."

The Summit League Sportsmanship Award is given annually to the institution that is judged by its peers to be the best in the league in living up to the ideals of sportsmanship. Areas for evaluation include student-athlete conduct, staff/administrator conduct, coaches' conduct, and event management.

Sportsmanship Award History

1998-99 – Kansas City
1999-2000 – Southern Utah
2000-01 – IUPUI
2001-02 – Valparaiso
2002-03 – Southern Utah
2003-04 – Southern Utah
2004-05 – Southern Utah
2005-06 – Southern Utah
2006-07 – Centenary
2007-08 – Centenary
2008-09 – South Dakota State
2009-10 – Centenary
2010-11 – South Dakota State
2011-12 – Fort Wayne
2012-13 – Omaha
2013-14 – Omaha
2014-15 – Fort Wayne
2015-16 – South Dakota
2016-17 – South Dakota
2017-18 – South Dakota
2018-19 – Western Illinois