Nino Vaghi Good Sportsmanship Award

Nino Vaghi joined the Bethel Knights of Columbus in 1935.  It was the same year in which William English, Pavia Council's first Grand Knight, was deceased.   Before anyone knew it, Nino became involved in every aspect of the Council's activities.  Restless and eager to serve, he promoted the objectives of the Order by serving on many committees and coordinating many activities.  He was tall, good looking, and intelligent; he liked people and people liked him!  He could discourse on any topic and expound his opinion in an inimitable, loud voice.  He worked his way through the various officer positions serving as Guard, Recorder, Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight (1939-40).

In 1951, Nino Vaghi helped to create the Good Sportsmanship Award to recognize what he iterated at the time: "…the importance of sportsmanship over athletic ability." Just a year later, in 1952, Nino died at the age of 39. As the council’s history reflects, "…the committee voted to call the Sportsmanship Award the Nino Vaghi Award." This was only fitting … because it reflected so well Nino’s philosophy of life: " play it fair; play it honest…win if you can, but if you lose, never cry or alibi." Nino Vaghi’s spirit lives on with this annual award.

This page last updated on Thursday, December 14, 2006
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