SANTA CLARITA, Calif – Canyon High School senior Zach Bietsch has been awarded the State CIF/Subway Spirit of Sport Award for Winter and Spring 2014-15. Zach is one of only four recipients in the State of California to receive the award, which comes with a $2,000 prize and a patch.

The Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student athletes who have demonstrated the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor, are active in school and community service and exhibit leadership qualities.  The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorare the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,554 member high schools throughout the state.

Zack played basketball at Canyon, has also been very active in his school participating in the Leadership Team and also as a member of the Key Club.

“Sportsmanship is not only portrayed through athletic events, but also through everyday life,” Zach said. “The skills that one learns through athletics, when applied to one’s own life, help not only to spread these attributes to others, but to improve the morals of the individuals directly affected. Sportsmanship really comes down to morals, and players with them not only win on the court, but also off the court as well.”

“He is unlike most other athletes in today’s world who look for self-promotion,” stated Canyon Head Basketball coach Sean Delong. “He just wants to help the team and those around him succeed. Zach is an excellent young man who truly cares about others and works to make the lives of those around him better.”

“Zach is a great kid and we are very proud of him winning this award and representing Canyon High School,” said Canyon Athletic Director Scott Arnold.  “His leadership is evident both on and off the court.  Zach is a true representation of the CIF principals of Victory with Honor.  He is a teammate in the truest sense of the word, caring for his team and classmates above his own self-interest.”