2023-2024 DIAA Dale Farmer State Champions in Sportsmanship Winners Announced

Dover, DE (September 5, 2024) Thirteen (13) Delaware schools are being honored for sportsmanship by the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA).  The Dale Farmer State Champions in Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to schools that have demonstrated a strong school community commitment to the educational nature of interscholastic athletics.

The 2023-24 Dale Farmer award is being awarded to the following schools:

Brandywine High School (7)

Caesar Rodney High School (14)

Caravel Academy (15)

Charter School of Wilmington (11)

Concord High School (15)

Middletown High School (8)

Mt. Pleasant High School (8)

Newark Charter School (9)

Sanford School (13)

Springer Middle School (2)

Sussex Tech High School (18)

Talley Middle School (3)

William Penn High School (26)

*The number listed beside each school denotes the total number of times the school has won the award

“Sportsmanship is the cornerstone of athletics. The DIAA lives by the moto of “Education through Athletics” each and every day. The Dale Farmer award recognizes those member schools who embrace the DIAA philosophy and incorporate “Education through Athletics” throughout their athletic programs.  I am pleased to recognize those educational institutions that embrace and teach sportsmanship,” said DIAA Executive Director David Baylor.

Thirty-seven (37) different member schools have won the award at least once in it’s 26-year history. For award consideration, schools must submit a portfolio to DIAA. The DIAA sportsmanship committee reviews the school submissions against a set of standards. The process is demanding and involves the total school community.

“Sportsmanship is essential to a positive interscholastic athletic experience for students, coaches, and fans.  Programs that cherish and value good sportsmanship pave the way for positive and productive adults,” said James Connor, DIAA Sportsmanship Committee Chair.  “The life lessons learned on the Athletic competition surfaces prepare our youth to make a powerful impact in our world.  Congratulations to all of our award winners!”

The Dale Farmer State Champions in Sportsmanship award is named in recognition and memory of Dale Farmer, the first executive director of DSSAA and the 2016 recipient of the DIAA Lifetime Achievement Award.