One of the Region’s longest-running athletic traditions returned on Monday, February 24, as high school basketball teams from around the area gathered at the Halls of St. George for the 71st annual Calumet Region Sportsmanship Dinner.
The event, generally held a week before the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Boys Basketball Sectionals tip-off, brings on-court rivals, coaches, officials, and supporters together to celebrate their seasons, and unite around the spirit of sportsmanship. It is also a scholarship fundraiser, having distributed over $345,000 to student athletes since 1971.
“We’re so proud of this event, it’s been 71 years in a row of celebrating sportsmanship and scholarship,” said John Doherty, chairman of the Sportsmanship Committee. “With so many teams together, breaking bread just like Mr. D.N. ‘Mike’ Nau wanted 71 years ago, we couldn’t be more excited.”
Each year, the Sportsmanship Committee invites a special guest to speak at the dinner. Previous speakers include Robbie Hummel, Chuck Swirsky, Ernie Banks, Dan Plesac, Pat Fitzgerald, and many more. This year, 21 year MLB veteran and Gary West Side alumni LaTroy Hawkins took center stage to address the student athletes.
“He’s the pride of Northwest Indiana,” Doherty said. “He’s a Gary West Side grad who went on to have, in my opinion, one of the greatest careers in Major League Baseball. He’s pitched in the 10th most major league games ever and has a save against every team in MLB. Not only that, but the Region should be proud of all the things he’s done in the Calumet Region and Gary with all his charitable endeavors.”
Hawkins spoke to the crowd as a motivator, connecting his history in the Region to his career and offering insight on how to succeed not just on the field, but in life.
“I was a guy who had some talent, but had to grind and outwork everyone,” Hawkins said. “That’s what we do when you’re from where we’re from, the Region. Stop trying to impress people who don’t matter, and focus on becoming the best version of you. High character isn’t a choice. It’s doing the right thing when nobody is watching. It’s handling your business with respect, treating people right, showing up on time, and being the type of person others can count on.”
The qualities Hawkins highlighted were recognized in one of the awards distributed by The Sportsmanship Dinner, the Recognition of Leadership & Scholarship Award. This year’s honors went to Caden Quigg of Highland High School, who also received a $3,500 scholarship in recognition of his outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, scholarship, and athletic achievements.
The committee also awarded the D.N. (Mike) Nau Sportsmanship Scholarships, with a plaque and scholarship fund distributed to four schools that displayed outstanding sportsmanship – one from each of last year’s sectionals. The winners were: Munster, Valparaiso, Lake Station, and Illiana Christian.
Terry McMahon, a longtime supporter of athletics in the Region who attended the very first Sportsmanship Dinner in 1955 as a student athlete, was honored with the John Friend Patron Humanitarian Award.
Ernie Nims, a longtime sports broadcaster who also spent 35 years as the public address announcer for the Munster Mustangs, received the Dick Blythe Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bohling Concrete, Inc., Hasse Construction Company, Pampalone Insurance Agency, Inc., and Geisen Funeral, Cremation Reception Center all received 25 Year Patron Awards. Calumet College of St. Joseph earned a 50 Year Patron Award.
Hawkins closed the evening with a challenge to the gathered student athletes – one that if met, will help them succeed both on and off the court.
“Surround yourself with people who push you to be better, live by high character every single day, and take care of the little things because they do matter,” he said. “Stop chasing the approval of people who can’t change your future. If you can do all of that, I promise that you’ll be on the right path regardless of where life takes you.”
The Calumet Region Sportsmanship Dinner was made possible by its sponsors, including: NITCO, Horizon Bank, South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority, NIPSCO, and Powers Health. To learn more about the dinner, its history, and previous award winners, visit sportsmanshipdinner.com.