• June 29, 2016
     
    USC student named Positive Athlete Award winner

    Jack O'Leary Jack O'Leary, an emerging senior at Upper St. Clair High School, was recently named one of 28 Positive Athlete Award winners from throughout Western Pennsylvania. Jack was honored as the 2015-16 Most Positive Athlete for boys golf.

    Former Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward presented Jack with his award along with a $500 scholarship at the fifth annual C Harper Positive Athlete Awards on June 14, 2016, at the Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. In total, more than 1,000 student-athletes from 150 area schools were nominated by coaches, athletic directors, principals, teachers, parents and others.

    According to the organization’s website, Positive Athlete Pittsburgh, led by Hines Ward, is a movement by high-character athletes in Western Pennsylvania to promote the benefits of “positivity” to young athletes. The organization honors high school student-athletes from all over Western Pennsylvania who have overcome difficult circumstances, have given back to their schools and communities in significant ways, or have an infectious positive attitude that brightens everyone’s day.

    Specifically, Positive Athlete Pittsburgh offers seven definitions of a Positive Athlete:
    1. Optimistic Attitude—Most coaches will tell you that an athlete who believes positive things will happen has a greater chance for success.
    2. Encouraging Teammate—In every sport, teammates are going to experience some kind of failure. Positive Athletes are the first ones to encourage them.
    3. Servant Leader—Positive Athletes do not think about being the “stars of the team.” They lead through serving others first and by setting an example.
    4. Heart for Others—Many athletes are blessed with gifts that many others are not. The Positive Athlete seeks to help the less gifted or fortunate.
    5. Admits Imperfections—This is Positive Athlete…not Perfect Athlete. Athletes willing to admit they make mistakes gain the respect of teammates and fans.
    6. Always Gives 100%—Not every athletic competition goes as planned, but a Positive Athlete always gives 100% no matter what the scoreboard says.
    7. Puts Team First—There are times when personal achievement may hurt the team’s goal. Positive Athletes choose their team.