National Collegiate Athletic Association

Latest News

« back to 2011 | Back to NCAA News Archive Index

Mitrano honored for sportsmanship efforts

The Institute for International Sport recognized Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano as “one of 20 living Americans” who has made significant contributions to fair play and sportsmanship.

The Institute made the announcement in celebration of the 20th anniversary of National Sportsmanship Day yesterday.

Mitrano was recognized in particular for creating the “Conduct Foul Program,” which NCAA Division III adopted as part of its strategic plan. The program serves 11 sports, more than 400 institutions, hundreds of athletic teams, and thousands of student-athletes across the country.

“Chuck Mitrano has been one of the most effective leaders in intercollegiate sport in terms of fostering a culture of sportsmanship,” said Dan Doyle, founder and executive director of the IIS and president and CEO of the World Youth Peace Summit. “We have tremendous admiration for Chuck at the Institute for International Sport. We consider him to be one of the great sports educators in America.”

Mitrano joins an elite group in “The 20 Living Americans” category, including Super Bowl winning coach Tony Dungy, 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree Billie Jean King, baseball Hall of Famers Stan Musial and Cal Ripken Jr., and golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

Mitrano is currently the president of the Division III Commissioners Association and commissioner of the United Volleyball Conference, a Division III men’s volleyball league.

National Sportsmanship Day was launched in 1991 to engage student-athletes, professional athletes and community members in thoughtful discussions around the concepts of sportsmanship.