MCC tennis players given National Sportsmanship Awards

Meridian Community College tennis players, Elliott Clark and Kelly Sterling have been named recipients of the Arthur Ashe Jr. National Sportsmanship Award by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. This TA award, which dates back to 1984, goes to NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA and NJCAA men’s and women’s players who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership as well as scholastic, extracurricular and tennis achievements their sophomore year. This award is given by the ITA in conjunction with the United States Tennis Association.

Both Clark and Sterling were honored at the NJCAA National Banquet at their respective national tournaments. The process for this award begins with a nomination from the player’s coach. A supporting letter must be submitted by the candidate’s coach and a supporting letter from the nominee must state his/her accomplishments and personal philosophy as they relate to his/her involvement in activities to help others.

The selection process then selects Regional winners for each of the four regions located across the country. MCC is in Region III which is comprised of Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. Each regional winner receives a special award certificate from ITA and is named on the ITA website. The National Arthur Ashe Jr. Award Winner (for Sportsmanship and Leadership) will be honored by the USTA and ITA at a special awards luncheon held in the USTA President’s Dining Room during the 2009 U. S. Open on Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day. Courtesy of the USTA and the ITA, the national winner will be flown to New York City for a weekend of festivities including a Friday evening “TEAM DINNER”, the ITA Collegiate Team Awards Luncheon on Saturday and the chance to watch the Center Court Show during Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day from the President’s Box. Sunday events are also set with breakfast with the mayor of New York.

The ITA has long been recognized as one of the best organized collegiate sports associations. It is a non-profit organization, which serves as the governing body of collegiate tennis in the US. It administers a comprehensive calendar of tournaments and events and a far-reaching awards program. The ITA has as its goal to improve the level of intercollegiate tennis competition and the quality of college tennis coaching. It is comprised of nearly 1, 700 men’s and women’s coaches representing over 1,200 institutions across the country form all three NCAA divisions, the NAIA, and Junior and Community Colleges. The ITA oversees activities involving over 15, 000 varsity college student-athletes.

Elliott Clark is the son of Bobby and Cherry Clark. He is a Meridian native and played high school tennis at West Lauderdale and developed his talent under the tutelage of Rod Hartzog, former tennis pro at Northwood Country Club.

As a freshman he played No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles with Lamar High School product, Dawson Dyess. On a much improved team this season, Clark played No. 3 doubles with partner Jeremy Purdum of Laurel. Clark has signed to continue his tennis career at Belhaven College. Clark was the team captain this year and brought much maturity to a very young team. He has been the recipient of the Ricardo Calderon Spanish Award, was named to Who’s Who Among Outstanding Junior and Community College Students, was a member and on the executive board of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, was chosen as a Coca Cola “Best of the Class”, and was inducted into the Circle of Excellence at graduation. He was also selected as male scholar athlete of the year at awards night. He graduated with highest honors with a 3.94 GPA.

“Elliott is ever the gentleman. He is truly a “cut above the rest.” Sportsmanship is his mantra,” said MCC tennis coach, Wanda McPhail.

“This is not to say that he does not get upset when he loses because he does and sometimes he shows that he is upset; however, he conducts himself always as a gentleman. He has been a valuable asset to the team this season offering maturity and guidance. He should serve as a role model to others of what the term student-athlete means. He exemplifies what we should all look for in a player-sportsmanship, leadership, scholarship, and service.”

Clark plans to seek a law degree and wants to be a prosecuting attorney someday.

Kelly Sterling is the daughter of Mike and Nancy Sterling. She played high school tennis at Meridian High School for Coach Thad George. Kelly was the co-captain of the women’s tennis team at MCC this year. She played No. 2 singles for two years. Her freshman season she played number two doubles with Katy Shoptaugh and her sophomore season she played number one doubles with Anna Vavrik. Kelly was an Ivy League Recruiter and a member and Vice-President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She participated in the Appalachian Leadership Program this year. She was the recipient of the Lucille Rosenbaum Scholarship at Awards Night and female scholar athlete of the year. She was also chosen for the Circle of Excellence at graduation. She graduated with honors finishing with a 3.87 GPA.

“Kelly was the heart of the MCC team; her work ethic is unquestionable,” said MCC tennis coach Wanda McPhail.

“She led by example. Sportsmanship is more than being “a good sport.” Sportsmanship can be defined as never giving up no matter the odds, helping teammates out when needed, fighting through adversity and being gracious when winning or losing. Sportsmanship is holding oneself to the highest standards academically, athletically, morally, and giving back to society. Kelly epitomizes all of these things.”

Sterling will continue her studies at Mississippi State University next year. She plans to get an Occupational Therapy degree.