Bob Jamelli Honored with 2024 BoardGamePlayers.org Sportsmanship Award

Bob Jamelli has been named the 2024 Sportsmanship Award winner by BoardGamePlayers.org (BPA). He received 21% of the 439 ballots cast and 22% of the total votes in the annual membership vote, making it a closely contested election. The announcement was last updated on February 17, 2025.

Kremlin Game Example Highlights Jamelli’s Character

Jamelli’s sportsmanship was particularly noted during a game of Kremlin. A fellow player recounted an instance where a new player, unfamiliar with the game, made an illegal move – placing influence on a Foreign Minister without having bid for the position. The game master allowed the new player to correct the mistake, a decision that significantly disadvantaged Jamelli. Despite this setback, Jamelli maintained a cheerful attitude and continued to assist the new player in learning the game.

Competition for the Award

Casey Moquin was Jamelli’s closest competitor, receiving 20% of the vote. Moquin was nominated by the Innovation Game Master. During a game, Moquin initially achieved a strong lead of 5-0, then appeared to secure a win by reaching Age 6 on her second action. However, her opponent pointed out that she had removed a card on her first action, invalidating her win condition. Moquin graciously accepted the correction and continued playing, ultimately losing the game without complaint.

West Michigan Whitecaps Fan Food Vote Underway

In other news, the West Michigan Whitecaps are engaging fans in selecting a new menu item for the 2026 baseball season. Five finalists are competing for a spot on the LMCU Ballpark menu. The options include:

• The Mac Bat: Mac and cheese and pulled pork served inside a waffle cone with BBQ sauce.
• The Fried Pickle Quesadilla: Fried pickle chips and pepper jack cheese in a flour tortilla, served with ranch.
• The Pig Ear: An Elephant Ear loaded with pulled pork, apple filling, slaw, diced onions, and BBQ sauce.
• The Fat Crash Slammy: Chicken tenders, fries, and cheese curds piled into a roll smothered in marinara sauce.

Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite dish.

Catholic League Athlete of the Week Voting Open

Voting is currently open for the Catholic High School League Winter Athlete of the Week, covering performances from January 5-11, 2026. Fall sports stars in the Catholic League were recently recognized, with voting open through Monday to determine the top senior athletes.