FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2009


Columbus student-athlete wins USA Today National Sportsmanship Day Essay Contest

GAINESVILLE–Columbus High School (Miami) junior Javier Salas was selected the high school division winner for the 18th Annual USA Today National Sportsmanship Day Essay Contest. The essay was published Mar. 3, 2009 in celebration of National Sportsmanship Day, which is sponsored by the Institute for International Sport at the University of Rhode Island.

Salas's essay addressed the topic of fighting in sports, and was selected from among the 40 entries submitted. To read his essay, click here.

"It's fantastic to have a student-athlete compete at a national level in an academic arena," said Executive Director Roger Dearing. "We are very happy for him, his school, his teachers and his parents."

The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletic competition in Florida. It has a membership of more than 750 middle and senior high schools.

Contact:
Laurel Ring
Director of Special Programs, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 350
lring@fhsaa.org