Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School Boys Basketball Program Receives IAABO Board 8 Sportsmanship Award

The Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School (CNH) Boys Basketball Team has been awarded the 2025–26 International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) Board 8 Sportsmanship Award in recognition of the program’s outstanding commitment to sportsmanship and positive conduct throughout the season.

The award was presented by IAABO Board 8 President Roger LaFrancois, who praised the leadership and culture of the program.

“I’d like to congratulate you, Coach Jonathan Stanizzi, and your players on being selected as the Boys Middle School Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2025–26 season, as voted on by our IAABO Board 8 officials,” said LaFrancois. “This award is named in honor of my father, Roger LaFrancois Sr., and represents a tremendous accomplishment. Sportsmanship is a direct reflection of a program’s culture, and this recognition speaks highly of the environment you, your staff, your players, and your administration have built at Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School.”

IAABO Board 8 serves more than 30 middle schools throughout eastern Connecticut and annually recognizes programs that exemplify respect, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the court.

The recognition highlights the commitment of the CNH coaching staff, student-athletes, and school community to fostering a positive and respectful athletic environment.

From left to right: Manager Courtney Barker, Board 8 President Roger LaFrancois, Coach Jonathan Stanizzi, Will Holden and Ethan Napolitano.

This information was provided by Coventry Public Schools. For further information, please contact Pat Cox at pcox@coventryct.org.