Memorial football team receives sportsmanship award

Pasadena Memorial football coach John Snelson and his senior fullback Daniel Talavera accepting the sportsmanship trophy at the Touchdown Club of Houston on Thursday.

The football team of Memorial High School in Pasadena was named the winner of the Touchdown Club of Houston's Class 5A Sportsmanship Award on Thursday during a luncheon at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Houston.

John Snelson, the Mavericks' head coach, and Memorial senior fullback Daniel Talavera accepted the trophy.

Three other Pasadena ISD teams, Dobie, Pasadena High and South Houston, were among the 16 finalists for the honor. All four district teams received finalist plaques.

Schools were rated for sportsmanship qualities by Houston-area football referees. The sportsmanship of coaches, players and support groups, including parents, band and pep squads all were considered.

Memorial's honor is the second in a row for a Pasadena ISD football squad in the Touchdown Club's sportsmanship competition; Dobie took second place last year.