Santa Barbara High’s Tyler Heffernan
Santa Barbara High’s Tyler Heffernan was recognized at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon as the school’s Phil Womble Award winner for the 2012-13 school year.
The Round Table presents the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award to student-athletes who demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and sportsmanship. With this award, the Round Table seeks to recognize and promote the development of good character, positive attitude and conduct, and respect of others.
The Dons junior plays water polo and is on the swim team while also carrying a GPA of 4.75 in the classroom.
“He really is one of those special kids,” said Santa Barbara High aquatics coach Mark Walsh. “Obviously in the classroom he does a great job but also in the pool he’s as dedicated as all the kids. But really it’s the extra integrity, it’s the character.”
Walsh credited Heffernan for his work ethic as well, saying he’s often the first to practice and the last to leave.
Heffernan thanked Walsh along with his family and Santa Barbara High principal John Becchio and athletic director Joe Chenoweth.
“I’m just so honored to have kids like that in the program,” Walsh said.
