The New York Metropolitan Intercollegiate Soccer Official Association (NYMISOA) announced that the US Merchant Marine Academy men's soccer team has been chosen as the recipient of the 1998 Sportsmanship Award.

The award is based on the recommendations of the officials on how the teams, coaching staff and supporters represented their school as they interacted with officials, opponents, team members, fans and media.

The presentation will be made at the NYMISOA Annual Award Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Elk Club in Lynbrook.

"As an official myself in the sport of basketball and baseball, I, and most importantly, my players respect the officials' decision and the difficulty of their job," said Head Coach Mike Smolens. "(assistant) Coach (John) Fitzgerald and I are proud of the way our team handles themselves each time they set foot onto the field. This award certainly reflects positively on our athletic program and the academy itself."

The Mariners ended the 1998 regular season with a 15-3 overall record and captured their third straight (fifth overall) Skyline Title with a perfect 5-0 mark in Conference play. The Blue and Gray also earned the number one seed and a first-round bye in the 1998 ECAC Division III Metro NY/NJ Championships.