Tulare Western Football Shows How Small Acts of Culture Make a Big Difference
Their nominator says, "I wanted to call out the great sportsmanship that I witnessed within Tulare Western's football own team on October 9, 2026. Their kicker, Izaac Pineda, is a freshman who was brought up to varsity that week. Throughout the game, the team — in particular, freshman lineman Kevin Franco (#52) and coach Jayson Hernandez — consistently showed Pineda a lot of love and respect throughout the game. After each PAT, Franco congratulated him or gave him a slap on the helmet. Coach Hernandez celebrated big with Pineda after his onside kick and his PATs, and also had a small learning moment with Pineda after he missed a PAT. I note this because yelling or not checking on a player can make a first game hard, but Tulare Western proved that the small things matter and they foster a great environment for their athletes."
Leaders On and Off the Field: Strathmore Cheerleaders Show True Character
Their nominator says, "Towards the end of the Seniors youth football game between the Woodlake Bengals and Strathmore Spartans, a trash can fell down. I noticed and went over to help pick it up, as well as the trash that came out of it. Strathmore Peewee cheerleader Cassidy Tapia (Vandalia Elementary, Porterville) left her group of friends and also came over to help myself and a cheer coach pick up the trash. Still in uniform, Tapia helped us pick up trash that included unfinished nachos, a half-eaten sausage, soda cans, water bottles, and more. And it didn't stop there. Cassidy and her teammate Chanell Guzman (Reagan Elementary, Lindsay) also walked around after the game helping picking up trash. Both Cassidy and Chanell showed great character and sportsmanship by helping out that afternoon."
Going Above and Beyond for Player Safety: How Tulare Union’s Jason Da Silva Redefines Sportsmanship
Their nominator says, "Jason is almost always the first trainer out to a player who goes down, whether it's his athlete or not. And when it's not his athlete, he often stays with the other team's athlete and trainer in case more help is needed. I believe he's very loved and appreciated at TU because you always hear "get Jason" at games, never just "get the trainer". He makes it known he's always there for the athletes, and as the school's only trainer, I'm sure that's a lot. Still, he takes time with his athletes and others, to ensure that they are safe to play. He shows that sportsmanship goes beyond players and coaches."
They say character is what you do when no one is watching, but at Tulare County Office of Education, we notice!
Through our Pursuing Victory with Honor (PVWH) Sportsmanship Caught in Action program, we highlight student-athletes and coaches who demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship on and off the field.
Witnessed an act of great sportsmanship?
Email Zoty Briceño at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349 to nominate them today!