In a world where competition often overshadows camaraderie, one high school basketball coach's act of kindness has captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts nationwide. Dave Mislan, the head coach of the South Fayette boys' basketball team, has been recognized for his exemplary display of sportsmanship, earning him a prestigious Musial Award for his selfless gesture during a pivotal game.

Putting Sportsmanship Above All Else

A Milestone Moment Shared

The story unfolded during a Friday night game earlier this year, when South Fayette's Michael Plasko was just 24 points away from reaching the coveted 1,000-point milestone. As the game progressed, it became clear that West Allegheny's Brandon Bell was also nearing the same achievement, sitting just two points shy of the mark. In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Mislan recognized the significance of the moment and made a decision that would forever etch his name in the annals of high school sports.

As the game reached its climactic conclusion, Mislan called a timeout and approached the opposing coach, Ben O'Connor. Recognizing the opportunity for Bell to achieve his own milestone, Mislan made a simple yet profound statement: "Don't worry about it. We'll take care of it." True to his word, Mislan ensured that Bell was given the chance to make the final two points and secure his 1,000th career point, much to the delight of his teammates, coaches, and family.

Bell, reflecting on the moment, expressed his gratitude for Mislan's selfless act, stating, "It was just running through my head to just make the layup." O'Connor, the West Allegheny coach, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that Mislan's gesture allowed Bell and his family to celebrate the milestone in a meaningful way.

Humbled by the Recognition

Mislan's actions have since been amplified, earning him national recognition and the prestigious Musial Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated "kindness, integrity, and civility in sports and society." The coach, initially taken aback by the attention, has expressed his humility and appreciation for the accolade.

"I was like, uh oh, this is bigger than South Fayette," Mislan said, recognizing the significance of the award that bears the name of the legendary Stan Musial. Mislan's commitment to sportsmanship has not gone unnoticed, with O'Connor praising him as a coach and a person, stating, "I've always appreciated him as a coach and as a player, but it made me appreciate him more as a person."

For Mislan, the recognition serves as a reminder that moments like these transcend the game itself. "I better live up to the standard of just being humbled and honored that I'm even getting any kind of award that has Stan Musial's name on it," he said, acknowledging the weight of the honor bestowed upon him.

A Lasting Impact on the Community

The impact of Mislan's actions extends far beyond the basketball court, as his display of sportsmanship has resonated with the broader community. Bell, the player who benefited from Mislan's generosity, expressed his gratitude, stating, "You don't see this type of sportsmanship nowadays. You really don't."

Mislan's simple yet profound gesture has become a shining example of the values that should be upheld in sports and society. His actions have not only inspired those directly involved but have also served as a reminder to athletes, coaches, and fans alike that true greatness lies not only in individual achievements but in the collective spirit of camaraderie and respect.

The Musial Awards ceremony, where Mislan will be honored, is set to take place in late November and will be aired as a one-hour special on KDKA-TV on December 29. The event will also be available for streaming on Paramount+, ensuring that Mislan's story of sportsmanship reaches an even wider audience, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.