Honoring the Spirit of Disc Golf: Meet the Recipients of the Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award

The Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award is a cherished recognition in the world of disc golf, celebrating individuals who exemplify the true spirit of the game. This esteemed honor was first introduced by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) to commemorate the memory of Bob West, a beloved charter member of the Huntington Beach Higher Flyers.

Bob West was known for his kindness and generosity towards fellow players, introducing many to the game in its early days. Despite never winning a sanctioned PDGA event himself, his positive impact on the lives of others inspired his memorialization through this award. The PDGA defines sportsmanship as "fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest," highlighting its importance in a self-officiated sport like disc golf.

Over the years, the Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award has been bestowed upon an impressive array of individuals from diverse backgrounds. These recipients include well-known professionals such as Barry Schultz (2000), Brian Schweberger (2002), Nate Sexton (2017), and Cale Leiviska (2019), who have consistently demonstrated exceptional character during competition.

However, it's not just professional disc golfers who are recognized for their sportsmanship. The award also acknowledges individuals whose passion for the game has led to positive relationships that have enriched the sport as a whole. Harold Duvall (1993) and Dave Greenwell (2011), co-founders of Innova Champion Discs and Prodigy Disc, respectively, are exemplary examples of this.

Interestingly, sportsmanship appears to be a family trait for some recipients, with mother-daughter duos like Sharon Jenkins (2005) and Valarie Jenkins-Doss (2015), as well as married teams like Jay "Yeti" Reading (2007) and Des Reading (2014), receiving the award.

The PDGA's call-for-nominations process takes place every spring, where members can submit their nominations for a worthy disc golfer from the previous season. The top nominees are then listed on the ballot, which is voted on by the PDGA Board of Directors to select the recipient of the Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award.

As you continue to play and participate in the world of disc golf, remember that sportsmanship is an integral part of the game. Keep a watchful eye out for individuals who embody these values, as they may be deserving of this prestigious recognition.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/spotlight-bob-west-memorial-sportsmanship-award