Jan. 25, 2010

George Mason golfer Adam Van Houten earned a spot on Sports Illustrated's national sportsmanship of the decade top 10 list for his actions in the 2005 Ohio Division II high school golf state championship. As a sophomore at Mount Gilead High School, he was leading by seven strokes when he noticed a mistake on his card. A playing partner had written down the wrong score on the 10th hole and Van Houten reported it to an official. He was disqualified because he had already signed the scorecard.

"I am honored to receive the Sports Illustrated sportsmanship award," Van Houten said. "When it was all happening, all I could think about was losing the state championship, but not turning myself in was never really an option. I pointed out my mistake to the officials and ultimately, was disqualified. I never thought anything good could possibly come out of making such a costly mistake and I had to mature quickly to deal with the media about the story. The whole situation helped me grow as a player and as a person."

A three-time Central District Player of the Year and three-time Ohio state qualifier, Van Houten also received the Ohio High School Athletic Association Ethics and Integrity award. He also was invited to St. Louis to receive the Citizenship through Sports Alliance National Sportsmanship Award in 2006.

Van Houten is currently a sophomore on the golf team. He is serving a medical redshirt this season. To access the Sports Illustrated's sportsmanship of the decade story online, click here. click here.

Yahoo story online, click here.