Trivium Prep Wins AIA Football Sportsmanship Award

Trivium Prep December 9, 2025

During the halftime at the open state championship game at ASU, Trivium Prep’s varsity football players and coaches were invited down on the field to receive the AIA 2A Football Sportsmanship Award. This honor is awarded each year by the Arizona Interscholastic Association in each conference to the team that exhibits the highest level of sportsmanship, as voted on by the officials.

Trivium Prep football players standing on a field

This is not the first statewide recognition received by the Crimson Knights football team. Earlier this year, junior player Ben Wolfley was called out, much to his surprise, and named the Arizona Cardinals High School Player of the Week for his excellence both on and off the field.

It is clear that Trivium Prep prioritizes excellence in every aspect of their students’ lives, and it shows throughout the team. “Receiving the AIA Sportsmanship Award reflects what our program is built on: being high-quality people first,” shared Coach Jeremy Mager. “Our players hold themselves to a standard of discipline, respect, and integrity in everything they do, whether it’s on the field or out in the community. We believe that the habits that make us great teammates and sportsmen also make us successful in life. This recognition isn’t just about how we play the game, but about who we strive to be every day.”

Trivium Prep football players and coaches holding an award on a football field

Athletic Director Derek Wahlstrom said the athletic department valued the acknowledgement from the AIA and their officials. “Our players and coaches have done a tremendous job of not only competing and performing at a high level but doing so in a manner that was worthy of this recognition. We are blessed to have coaches and scholars that compete with both intensity and integrity!”

Aside from the excitement of seeing a game together at the Mountain America Stadium and being called down to the field in front of all the fans, players had the amazing opportunity to meet Ty Detmer, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1990 as a quarterback while playing college football for the BYU Cougars. Detmer is now an Athletic Director in the Phoenix area.

Sportsmanship award

The news has spread thoughout the network and has caught the attention of Mac Esau, the Executive Director of Upper Schools in Ariz., who congratulated Walhstrom and the football staff at Trivium Prep. “Thank you for setting a great example and expectation of virtue on the field.”

Go Crimson Knights!

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