OXFORD — Two North Montgomery high school student athletes were recognized for their sportsmanship at Benton Central High School. Senior Jack Warren and junior Caelyn Carpenter were honored at the 33rd annual Dick and Rita Atha Memorial Sportsmanship Award banquet on Sunday.
The Athas were longtime Benton Central supporters. Dick was a long-time coach, educator and administrator at the school. The memorial award is given to Bison opponents who exhibit integrity, respect and character.
The banquet remains unique in the state of Indiana, as Benton Central is believed to be the only school that formally recognizes athletes from opposing schools for exemplary sportsmanship demonstrated while competing against Benton Central teams. Each year, coaches and student-athletes from Benton Central’s athletic programs select one opposing athlete who has consistently displayed class, humility, and respect in competition. These athletes are then introduced during the banquet by a Benton Central student athlete chosen by their own coaching staff for representing the same values.
This year, 12 area high schools were represented among the 21 awards presented, highlighting the widespread commitment to sportsmanship throughout the region.
“This banquet is more than a ceremony — it’s a celebration of the character and sportsmanship that make high school sports truly meaningful,” said Jared Hall, Athletic Director at Benton Central. “Mr. Atha believed that how we compete matters just as much as the result, and this event continues to reflect his belief that sportsmanship is the true spirit of athletic competition.”
Warren has competed against Benton Central in basketball and baseball. Carpenter has played Benton Central in volleyball, basketball and tennis.
