It was easy in the early days when you got ribbons for participation and orange slices during half-time. Everyone was content with running circles around the soccer fields, having fun at track practices, and rushing over to the Friday night football games. But what happened to the years of high-fives and handshakes? College sports unquestionably raised expectations for performance and effort, but sometimes good sportsmanship gets lost in all the intensity of the athletics.

We all should be able to keep the same light-hearted spirit of the sport within us no matter how important the game/meet/match might be. Laying it all on the line for your teammate is without a doubt an integral part of the sport and respect for the opposing team should be held just as equally important.

1. R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I’ll find out what it means to me, and it is supposed to mean reverence for the other people doing the same exact thing we do. They are just as willing to struggle through blood, sweat, and tears to do the best for themselves and their team. When you win a big meet/game, wait to celebrate big after the other team leaves. Yes be happy, but be conscious of how they might be feeling right about then because we all have had our fair share of lows.

2. Never take the easy way out

When you know you are up by 20 points, don’t EVER give up and waste those last seconds of the game, jog the last relay of a meet, or run out the clock. Giving your 100% at all times is expected so to do anything less is not only disrespectful, but it is embarrassing to the sport itself - not to mention it is a disgusting display of pride.

3. Losing sight of the real purpose

Focusing too much on the ‘win’ can deter a player the original reason they started – passion, dedication, and overall love of the game. Monopolizing the sport through insane practice rituals and verbal depreciation just adds insult to injury (literally). Cause I mean dodging wrenches is a totally rational way to get better at dodgeball, right?

4. College rivalries are great, until they’re not

Whether it’s Army/Navy or the Super bowl, big competitions are stressful and demanding.The fans sometimes seem more dedicated than the players – through ketchup stains and face paint, lie the broken hearts of many lost competitions this year already. All this pressure and anticipation from coaches, fans, and even social media can and will work its way into the athlete’s mind.

5. Outward expression of character

We wear a jersey, personally, I am in love with the Navy’s blue and gold. So when you wear those uniforms – you are expected to uphold certain standards not only for yourself and the purpose of the sport, but also for your school. If you are being disrespectful, then you are creating a poor image of the school you wear those colors for.

At the end of the day, what you say and do on the field, track, court will be remembered - no matter how insignificant you think your contribution may be. Heart and passion will carry a team a lot farther than confusing insults and poor sportsmanship.

"The views expressed, [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government."