Heritage Christian at Milwaukee Bradley Tech May 3, 2013 I wanted to share the outstanding impression that the girls’ varsity soccer teams from Milwaukee Bradley Tech and Heritage Christian School had on me. They gave terrific effort and had positive attitudes throughout, despite playing conditions being cold and rainy. Both teams epitomized sportsmanship, fairness, and concern for their fellow competitors, as well as their teammates. After nearly every foul in the match, the person who committed the foul made sure to check on their opponent and ask if they were OK or apologize. Sometimes there was no foul and just a collision and they’d still check on each other. It was a pleasure to serve the game for these young ladies based on nothing more than their demonstrated positive effort, attitude, and concern for their opponents and teammates alike. Reporting Official: Javier Ibarra
Fox Valley Lutheran at Winneconne May 9, 2013 I would like to commend the efforts of the Winneconne coach Dan Snyder and the Fox Valley Lutheran coach Joel Kramer and their coaching staffs for their efforts of raking the field and drying the baseballs during a rainy evening. Everybody worked hard to get this game completed. Also, I would like to mention the great sportsmanship of both teams involved under difficult playing conditions in a back and forth game. Nobody complained about the poor and tough conditions that evening. The pitchers and catchers were excellent to work with for the mound conditions and the damp baseballs. It's nice to see when everybody works together a job can be completed nicely. Thanks again for all the hard work put forward by both teams involved. Reporting Official: Corey Scheffler
Jefferson at Palmyra-Eagle May 9, 2013 The game was played through some rain. It cleared up some, but never really stopping totally. The field held up well, and their was a lot of help by everyone involved to keep the balls, bats, and bases as dry as possible; so we all persevered and got through the game. It was a competitive contest by two very stong teams with good, positive sportsmanship. Both teams should be commended on the circumstances of the conditions and not complaining once about them. Through joint cooperation, we were able to complete the contest. There were no mention of any negative comments by anyone. Coaches, players and even fans were just grateful to get the game in. Reporting Official: Daniel Smith
Poynette/Portage at Lake Mills May 7, 2013 The game was a example of great sportsmanship from both schools. Although the score was 10-0 in favor of Lake Mills, Poynette/Portage continued to play very hard to the last whistle. When there was a foul, the player committing the foul was often there to help up the opposing player. Lake Mills substituted early after getting a five-goal lead and provided bench players the opportunity to play and get goals or assisting. Lake Mills did not make Poynette/Portage feel second class and the coach and players from Lake Mills often made positive comments to Poynette/Portage when their goalkeeper made good saves or when the defense or attacking players from Poynette/Portage made good plays. It was a pleasure to be the center referee for this game. Job well done by both teams. Reporting Official: Thomas Vergeront
Menasha at Appleton West May 9, 2013 I wanted to recognize three student-athletes for excellent sportsmanship in a recent baseball contest. Dominic Hillesheim and Andrew Schiessl of Menasha, and Nathan Disch of Appleton West. These young men were leaders of their team and exhibited outstanding sportsmanship throughout the contest. Your positive acts did not go without notice! Reporting Official: Brent Thompson
Appleton North at Menasha April 26, 2013 I want to extend compliments and praise to the Menasha baseball program. Every player was respectful, polite and generous. Certainly, that comes directly from head coach and the rest of the coaching staff. I want to give a special shout out to Menasha’s catcher, who was a pleasure to work tbecause of his interaction.I would gladly work with Menasha any day of the week! Reporting Official: Kevin Griswold
Wausau East at D.C. Everest April 30, 2013 Our crew had the privilege to officiate this great soccer match. I have to say I was very impressed with both teams and their sportsmanship towards each other. When fouls were committed on either team they were helping them up. They were very respectful of each other, their coaches and the officials. These games make it a pleasure to officiate high school sports! Reporting Official: Rob Weise
Baldwin-Woodville at New Richmond April 29, 2013 We witnessed many acts of great sportsmanship throughout the game. Despite being a close game until the final few innings, here are some examples of what was displayed: each catcher would pick up the opponents' bat and hand it back to the player, a Baldwin-Woodville athlete received a serious injury and was immediately attended to by both coaching staffs and provided with appropriate health care by New Richmond training staff. No poor comments were used by opposing players toward each other when cheering or supporting their own teams, and there were numerous brief cordial conversations between the catcher and batter during at-bats. Just as important, the coaches were focused on leading their teams instead of the umpiring, and the players hustled the entire game and never complained about a call. We appreciated working in this enjoyable atmosphere of high school athletics, congratulations to New Richmond and Baldwin-Woodville for making it happen. Reporting Official: Nic Been
Green Lake at Oakfield April 29, 2013 I am writing to recognize the fine young men that are representing both teams. To Tyler Holz of Oakfield, thank you for your hustle, positive words, and your help in keeping the baseballs dry during the rain. To Al Mittelstadt of Green Lake, the leadership that you displayed through your positive interaction with your teammates was noticed. To Coach Schepp of Oakfield, I thank you for your help with game management with the weather delay. Reporting Official: Phil Punzel
Mayville at Watertown April 27, 2013 We have to thank Watertown Athletic Director Mike Daniels for the great communication since we were rained out the previous Saturday. The players, coaches and fans all enjoyed two well-played games. The players and Watertown coach Patty Jansen and Mayville coach Marvin Youngbeck all showed great sportsmanship all day. It was a pleasure to be able to officiate for these two fine teams. Reporting Officlal: Andrew Kuhl
Seymour at Oconto Falls April 26, 2013 I would like to recognize the Oconto Falls and Seymour coaches, players, and fans for their outstanding sportsmanship throughout the game. Lots of positive cheering and not one complaint or dispute over calls throughout the game. Plenty of fun was had by all...especially us as game officials. Congratulations to all and thank you. Reporting Official: Ted Blohm
Delavan-Darien at Big Foot April 25, 2013 Both teams hustled for all seven innings of the ballgame. They handled a close play at first with excellent sportsmanship (approached the proper official as required and accepted the decision rendered) and continued playing the game. Both teams played equally hard for the entire seven innings. They are a plus to their schools that they represent. Reporting Official: Darwin Thompson
Denmark at Seymour April 23, 2013 We want to share an umpire’s perspective with the communities of Seymour and Denmark regarding how impressed we were with both teams. Thanks to Tanner Umentum and Alex Loberger of Denmark, and Bret Rottier and Keenan Moehring of Seymour for their outstanding sportsmanship and leadership throughout the game. These young men showed to us, and any others observing the contest, how superior sportsmanship and hustle can make for a fun and exciting afternoon of baseball. Thank you men, your acts of positive sportsmanship did not go unnoticed. Reporting Official: Brent Thompson
Green Bay East at Janesville Craig April 20, 2013 I would like to commend both Janesville Craig coach Bill McCabe his staff and Green Bay East coach Mike Bootz and his staff on their good sportsmanship shown to each other during a well-contested, hard-fought game. The positive attitude displayed by both teams made an astounding soccer environment for the soccer crew. The players and coaches represented what interscholastic sports about...sportsmanship. Reporting Official: Anand Sathasivam
Fennimore at Riverdale April 4, 2013 My partners and I arrived at the field and were cordially greeted by the Riverdale Coach Cheri Stoddard, who went over the schedule of events for the evening. As we conducted our pregame equipment inspections, both Fennimore and Riverdale teams were very helpful with the process by laying out their bats, helmets and equipment for us. During the contest--which was very competitive--all we heard from the coaches, players and fans were words of encouragement. When both teams’ players would request a timeout they would refer to us as “sir” and then would say “thank you.” Fennimore Coach Dan Bender was polite and professional when he approached us with two proper appeals during the game. My partners and I talked at our post-game session and agreed that it was truly an honor to be on the same field with these two teams that demonstrated a fine example of sportsmanship. Reporting Official: Wayne Hannes
Appleton North at Oshkosh North April 20, 2013 These two baseball programs exhibited fine sportsmanship. We wish to thank Athletic Director Craig Lieder, Coach Schaefer, and staff for all the work put into getting the field playable. Thanks also to Mike Becker from Oshkosh North and Tyce Wheeler from Appleton North for your help with the bats. In addition, thanks to Drew Eastman from Appleton North and Alex Madden from Oshkosh North for your positive words of encouragement towards your teammates. They were noticed. Reporting Official: Phil Punzel
Williams Bay at Big Foot April 6, 2013 I would like to take a minute to recognize both schools on their good sportsmanship, I didn't hear them say one negative word about each other or us during the games. Both teams were always polite when asking why we called something the way we did. Lastly, both of these schools have great coaches that teach their kids good sportsmanship and it showed on the field. Reporting Official: Jake Podrasky
Tomahawk Meet March 21, 2013 There were countless acts of good sportsmanship displayed by all three teams involved inj this meet. Many times after events concluded I witnessed athletes from all teams congratuate each other for their effort. This also occured before the start of several of the races. The coaching staff of Tomahawk, and the meet administration was exemplary. It was a pleasure to officiate this indoor invitational. Several athletes thanked me for my participation in this meet.
Reporting Official: Mike Jahn
Lakeland at Rhinelander Feb. 12, 2013 We want to compliment both Lakeland Union High School and Rhinelander High School for the positive sportsmanship! Both teams played extremely hard; both coaches coached their teams hard; and the fans were involved in the game throughout. In my mind, the atmosphere in the gym is what high school athletics is all about. I would also like to compliment Rhinelander and their Athletic Director Charlie LaHam for the hospitality they showed towards us. Reporting Official: Scott Winch
Middleton at Onalaska Jan. 19, 2013 The game was competitive, and the Middleton coaching staff and players were very professional. After the game the team came over and shook all of the officials hands thanking us for working the game. A small gesture like that means a lot to officials. The play was very clean and there was no complaining by any of the players. There was one point in the game where a call was made that the staff did not agree with, but there was no arguing and they didn't make a big deal out of it. After the game the coaches shook hands with all the officials and were very cordial. While standing by the benches the coaches were very much engaged in coaching in a positive manner. This game was certainly an extension of the classroom. Reporting Official: Jeff Hanzlik
Wrightstown at Reedsville Feb. 2, 2013 Both team were at the top of the conference, and you could tell from the atmosphere in the gym, it was going to be a good game. Both teams had great energy from the start of the game and both coaches, Coach Ourada for Reedsville and Coach Klister for Wrightstown had their teams ready to play. A great game was played by both teams showing excitiment, tenacity, determination, and most of all sportsmanship by all involved. Both coaches were great to work for and easy to talk to. Great leadership from the coaching staffs and captains for each team. Reporting Official: Steve Walsh
Wisconsin Dells at Mauston Jan. 31, 2013 The teams were playing with a conference championship on the lineand the stands were filled. Throughout the first half fans for both schools were cheering their own team in a positive way. Then, at the start of the 4th quarter, Teague Fenwick of Mauston and Tyler Raddatz of Wisconsin Dells arranged for the students of both schools to combine forces for a group cheer in honor of Joel Heesch. Heesch had been sidelined by a health condition the day before and was unable to play in the game. This was the classiest thing I have seen a group of students from rival schools do in all of my years of officiating, watching high school basketball, and teaching. I would like to commend all of the students from both schools on a job well done. Reporting Official: Nicholas Hable
Racine Horlick (at various meets) Feb. 2, 2013 I just wanted to take a moment to comment on your boys swimming and diving team for their actions throughout the 2012-13 season. I have had the pleasure of working a handful of their meets and have come away impressed with both the students, as well as the coaches. The entire team, from the coaches all the way down to the swimmers and divers, are always polite, respectful and extremely sportsmanlike. I witnessed your young men cheering on athletes from other teams, just because they wanted to. At a recent meet, I even had one of the young men thank me after explaining why he was disqualified from an event. Reporting Official: Brian Temke
Notre Dame at Ashwaubenon Jan. 25, 2013 We just wanted to commend both teams for a shining example of good sportsmanship. The players helped each other up. The coaches respectfully asked questions and we respectfully gave them the answers. The fans cheered loudly for both sides. We arrived and were greeted at the door. We were escorted by Kurt to our room and brought back out to the court to watch the JV game. We were escorted back to the locker room and informed of parents night and also the game being televised that we would not start until 7:30 p.m. They kept us informed as to how much time was left. Ashwaubenon AD Dave Steavpack talked to us and gave us a preview as to what we might see on the floor. During the game, everyone did a fantastic job of keeping the atmosphere loud and enthusiastic. I want to thank everyone from the coaches, players, fans, and administration for making this the kind of game everyone wants to be involved with. Reporting Official: Rick Roedell
Richland Center at River Valley Jan. 22, 2013 Great job by both schools, fans and especially the young athletes involved and great sportsmanship at River Valley High School. I wanted to take this opportunity to share the great act of sportsmanship displayed by Johan Peekenbrooke of Richland Center. He was selfless last evening when he agreed to wrestle an exhibition match with one River Valley’s wrestlers that had a cognitive disability. This act was a great highlight for the young wrestler, his family and the fans. Johan’s act of kindness spoke volumes of how caring many teenagers are and set a great example for other teenagers. Reporting Official: Kirk Layer
Weyauwega-Fremont at Clintonville Jan. 15, 2013 This was a great game to officiate and to be a part of. At the pre-game captains’ meeting, we reviewed the importance of sportsmanship. The captains and their teammates demonstrated good sportsmanship at the highest level. Both teams played hard, hustled after the basketball and hustled on and off the basketball court. Players played and coaches coached the way basketball was meant to be at the high school level. Also, the job done by school personnel before, during, and after the game was great. Reporting Official: Matt Peterson
Antigo at D.C. Everest Jan. 8, 2013 Throughout the game, the displays of sportsmanship were exceptional, but in the third period, Antigo's Zach Fleischman went above and beyond. We had a stoppage for an injured Everest player and Zach helped the trainer out onto the ice to attend to the injury. Upon arriving at the player, he checked with the opposing coach to see if there was anything he could help with and picked up the player's equipment that had been removed and took it to the D.C. Everest player bench. Again. both teams showed great sportsmanship throughout the game. The coaches led by example and the players followed. It was the best display of sportsmanship that I have seen this season. Reporting Official: Bryan Schroder
Medford at Merrill Jan. 7, 2013 It is a real pleasure working a game when all the players and coaches showed great sportsmanship. Right from the start of the game in the coaches and captains’ meeting the players and coaches showed great sportsmanship. Greeting each other and wishing each other a good game. The game was a hard fought game, from start to finish. The coaches, were very positive, and this related to the ice with players being positive on the ice. After the game, the players and coaches all greeted each other with good compliments. It is nice to have the players and coaches from both teams come up and thank us for working their game. It is a real pleasure working a game in which both teams and coaches practice true sportsmanship. Reporting Official: Dan Pudlo
Luther Prep at Lakeside Lutheran Jan. 11, 2013 I would like to take a moment to commend both Lakeside Lutheran and Luther Prep for the exemplary display of sportsmanship. Both Tim Matthies and his staff and Randy Mensching and his staff set outstanding examples of good sportsmanship to the players, adults and students in attendance. The players played hard and their level of sportsmanship on the floor matched that of the coaching staffs. Further, I'd like to mention that the hospitality provided by athletic director Paul Bauer at Lakeside Lutheran was at the highest level, as always, and we officials appreciate that. Reporting Official: Rich Fronheiser
Valders at Reedsville Jan. 11, 2013 From the moment we were welcomed by Reedsville's principal to leaving the building, the players, coaches and fans represented their communities with class. Coach Brooks from Reedsville and Coach Nesper from Valders were absolute gentleman. While there were some tough calls and emotional moments, this game represented for us what high school sports should be. Reporting Official: Andy Hansen
Grafton at Milwaukee Hamilton Dec. 19, 2012 We experienced a tremendous amount of good sportsmanship from both teams in the way they played their game. I commend Coach Marcus Switzer of Hamilton and Grafton's Coach Steve Reinhardt for their sportsmanship. Both teams were respectful of each other to the point of helping each other up when they went to the floor. The final score did not matter, because our crew saw something I commend both coaches, teams on how well they handled themselves last night. On behalf of our Crew, it was truly a pleasure to work their game last night Thank you for the opportunity to see sportsmanship in action! Reporting Official: Rodney Matthews
Arrowhead vs. Cedarburg at Milwaukee Admiral Classic Dec. 28, 2012 The championship game was well played and the players displayed both sportsmanship and respect for each other and for their team mates. I overheard members of the Milwaukee Admirals Staff commenting that the teams played hard and clean and were respectful. It was a pleasure to work this game. Reporting Official: James Olson
Reporting Official: Jason Lassen
Cuba City at Mineral Point Dec. 18, 2012 We worked a contest that displayed great sportsmanship throughout. The players and coaching staff are to be commended on their display of sportsmanship during the game. The coaches from both teams were very respectful when asking a questions about clarifications. The game administrators from Mineral Point are to be commended as well. They were very courteous and were readily available in case they were needed. It was a pleasure to work a game where sportsmanship was held in the highest regard by both of the coaching staffs and their teams. Reporting Official: Scott Huffman
Amherst at Bonduel Dec. 13, 2012 From the time that I arrived at the school until I left, it was enjoyable and positive. At the weigh-ins, the athletes and coaches were very respectful, orderly and positive. Throughout the entire meet the coaches, support staff, athletes, and fans all displayed good sportsmanship. The defeated wrestlers often congratulated their opponents on their win. The coaches coached their wrestlers from the bench in a very supportive and positive manner. Both of the head coaches, Chris Rank and Matt Colemer, their assistants and the wrestlers set an example for the fans and the fans cheered their athletes. It's always a pleasure to work an event at this school. Reporting Official: Kevin Hansen
Sheboygan Lutheran at Sheboygan Christian Dec. 14, 2012 We would like to commend both schools’ coaches, players and fans on the sportsmanship displayed at their recent contest. The rivalry game was close throughout, which made it more impressive on what we witnessed. The coaches were positive even if the call was not going to go their way. Questions were asked and answered without incident. The players would help each other getting off the floor. Pats on the backto the opposing team were extended after a good play. The fans cheered for their team. Never was there a negative cheer; it was a pleasure to witness this kind of sportsmanship. Both schools should be proud of their coaches, player and fans. Reporting Official: Russ Mueller
I discussed a disputed score with the table, and the scorekeeper said the table score was correct. While the discussion was going on, Jenny Krauklis, head coach of Lakeside Lutheran said they had same score as Medford coach. This put her team down two points instead of one. A nice display of honesty. We changed the score. My partner and I had Lakeside Lutheran matches three times. In every match, the head coach was positive and encouraging towards her players. Not a negative word. She made it a point to shake the officials hand and say "good job.”
Reporting Official: Dale Laabs
I have officiated several swim meets at McFarland High School throughout my years of officiating. I thoroughly enjoy officiating meets there. The pool staff and coaches are always welcoming and well prepared to assist with running the meets. The community attends meets to support the team. The student athletes are always very pleasant and cooperative. They make sure there is a “path” for the officials on the side of the pool so we can do the best job of officiating. They congratulate opponents at the end of races, regardless of the outcome. They cheer and clap for opponents that may be of lesser ability encouraging them and allowing them to finish their race with dignity. A recent example is when I officiated a meet where one of the members of the other team had a learning disability; the McFarland swimmers and observers displayed extraordinary sportsmanship with cheering the swimmer on to complete her race despite being far behind the others. It was the loudest cheering of the meet! The swimmer in the adjacent lane made sure to shake hands with the opponent at the conclusion of her race. The McFarland student athletes always make sure to thank the officials at the captains’ meeting or after the meet as they line up to tell their opponents, “Good job!” I feel the McFarland High School swimmers should be commended for being a great example of what is expected of exemplary student-athletes!
Kettle Moraine at Arrowhead Sept. 21, 2012 Both teams would have been graded with an "A," because the players played the game the way it was meant to be played--hard and fast and without extra-curricular activity. After the whistle sounded, the players from opposing teams helped each other up, and there were even kind words between opponents such as "nice run," or "good play." The players, coaches and fans were respectful, courteous and kind. What a great display of "Good Sportsmanship," and our football crew was lucky enough to be part of it. Reporting Official: Dave Grey
Delavan-Darien at Elkhorn Sept. 27, 2012 In the championship game of the Southern Lakes Conference tournament, both teams played the entire 80-minute match with the attitude and sportsmanship of champions. This positive attitude displayed by both teams made for an awesome work environment for this referee crew. The very large crowd of fans and an even larger group of students equally representing both schools was amazing. Reporting Official: Scott Daragh
I would like to take a moment to compliment both the players and coaching staffs. Both Whitehall and Neillsville show excellent dedication to the game of football and displayed amazing sportsmanship during the game. Coaches were focused on football fundamentals, situational awareness, and keeping their player positive throughout the game. Players demonstrated tremendous effort, dedication to their assignments, and kept a great tempo of game play. At no point during the game was a call argued or a foul requested. Both programs have a great foundation to build on. Whitehall showed exemplary composure when an inadvertent whistle stopped play on a run near the goal line. The players and coaches only responded by calling the next play. These two teams were a pleasure to officiate.
Reporting Official: Jody Volkman
From the moment we arrived and were greeted by Athletic Director Lee Ann Kitchell. We were treated with respect and saw sportsmanship from both teams. D.C. Everest Coach CJ Hanson and Xavier coach Kasey Smith both run very classy programs. They are respectful to each other, fans and also officials. They showed during the game that the game is all about sportsmanship. Our crew said afterward that this is the way the sport is suppose to be played and the way young men should act. Thank you to both programs for showing us that sportsmanship and good behavior matter.
Reporting Official: Rob Weise