2022 - 2023 League Champions
M.D. Nadal Sportsmanship Award
The Nadal Award was originally given to a member of the Erickson Football League, but eligibility was expanded to other sports after the establishment of the Founders League. It is awarded on an annual basis, as warranted, to a coach whose conduct exemplifies the proclamation "play by the rules, accept victory or defeat graciously, respect all who assemble and participate." It may be awarded in recognition of sportsmanship during a particular contest, throughout a season, or for continued contributions to athletics and the League. The 2023 Nadal Award was presented to Danny Smith in recognition of his tireless dedication to The Hotchkiss School's athletic program and commitment to character development, sportsmanship and the value of team. During his over 20 years at the school, Smith has served as a member of the admissions team, a coach and athletic director. As one of the longest serving football coaches in the League, his leadership, marked by grace, goodwill and a genuine interest in others, was lauded as exceptional. Archibald A. Smith III Award
The Archibald A. Smith III Award was established in 2015 to honor Arch Smith, long-time Headmaster of Trinity-Pawling and devoted member of the Founders League, upon his retirement. Smith began his career at Trinity-Pawling in 1975 as a teacher of chemistry and physics. During his transformative 40-year tenure, he went on to serve as Director of College Placement, Assistant Headmaster, and ultimately, Headmaster from 1990-2015.
The Smith Award is given out on an annual basis, as warranted, to a coach for lifetime achievement and commitment to the Founders League ideals of educational excellence, sportsmanship, and outstanding competition. Smith Awards were presented to both Darrell Carrington and Peter Frew in 2023. Carrington, who served on The Ethel Walker School faculty for 40 years, was recognized for his service in all aspects of school life and in particular his resilience and commitment to student athletes. Beloved by students, during his tenure, Carrington taught math and coached basketball, golf, softball and soccer. At times, he even coached three varsity sports in a year. Notably, Carrington's teams won Founders League Championships in both golf and softball. Frew, a graduate of The Taft School, returned to his alma mater almost 30 years ago and has been the long-time admissions director and one of the premier and longest serving, private school, racket-sport coaches in New England. Over the years, his squash and tennis teams have won an impressive 13 Founders League Championships and 5 New England titles. His legacy of sportsmanship, however, is even more remarkable than his win-loss record and his affability, sense of humor, perspective, energy and class are second to none. |