Sportsmanship - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

Sportsmanship Plus - Softball

D.C. Everest @ Stevens Point
April 25, 2024

To start with, a huge shout out to both the SPASH and D.C. Everest softball coaches, players and fans. We finished a previously suspended game that was in the top of the 3rd inning, and completed a full game after that. This type of game is why umpires stay in the game. There was sportsmanship throughout both games. The coaches and players treated each other and the officials with nothing but respect. The games were both heavily contested, with several close plays. And not one time did a coach, player, or fan say anything negative towards the call. We were not perfect in calling the game, I’m sure if asked, they would say we missed a call. But the game was one of the best games I’ve been part of in officiating. There was a lot of compliments given out by fans, coaches and players to each other after the game. In a time when we don’t see the sportsmanship in close, heavily contested games, this was not one of them. A game many umpires would love to be a part of. Thank you to SPASH and D.C. Everest on a game well-played.

Reporting Official: Wayne Fleischmann

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Soccer

Living Word Lutheran @ Mayville
April 26, 2024

Late in the game, #17 from Living Word Lutheran fouled a Mayville player, and between the expression on her own face and the fact she helped the Mayville player up, I thought it was very genuine and sporting of her.

Reporting Official: Tom Konecny

Sportsmanship Plus - Baseball

Cambridge @ Belleville JV
April 15, 2024

Following a thrown bat incident in the fifth inning, Both teams and their head coaches did a huddle for a few minutes, which I could hear the coaches talk about what happen and why it is not an accepted practice. At end of game, during the hand shakes, both the player and catcher talked about the incident and apologized. The head coaches talked about it for a few minutes together as well. This was a great learning experience, and both teams talked about why one must be in control of their equipment.

Reporting Official: Frank Sadilek

Sportsmanship Plus - Softball

Iola-Scandinavia @ Manawa
April 23, 2024

It simply doesn't get any better than this. I know and have worked for Mr. Anderson and Mr. Petke many times. I could not have more respect for these coaches and their staffs. All girls on both teams are very pleasant and respectful to umpires, and even more importantly to each other. I don't believe an opposing batter ever had to pick up a bat after a foul ball. The catcher handed it back to her. Both coaches routinely applauded good defensive plays by their opponent. The Iola-Scandinavia catcher never let me sweep off the plate, she wiped it with her glove whenever necessary. There was a good crowd of fans watching the game. Not one word to an umpire by any of the spectators, they just cheered and encouraged their kids. That behavior starts with the coaches, and it runs through the entire program. Both schools and communities should be very proud of their kids. These teams epitomize what high school sports are all about. not only because they play very good softball, but because they are even better people.

Reporting Official: Gary Hagberg

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Soccer

Waupun @ Ripon
April 23, 2024

Absolutely 100 percent of the comments and actions of every player, the four coaches and every fan for both teams were constructive and positive (sometimes even humorous). Sure, maybe that shouldn't permit me to even feel I can submit this Sportsmanship Plus acknowledgement, but holy cows, it was both amazing and let's face it, not all that common!

Reporting Official: Tom Konecny

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Soccer

University Lake School @ Lomira
April 12, 2024

All of the players and their head coach were great role models, in their own (individual) ways. When strung together over that 2 1/4 hours, it was nothing short of what we say we expect of players and coaches . Rarely is that really the case but as the center ref, what I experienced were the types of young people we hope for and the types of young people I hope my two young granddaughters grow up to be. They were quite a positive "statement" for at least 16 of University Lake's student body and one faculty member.

Reporting Official: Tom Konecny

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Soccer

Madison East @ DeForest
April 11, 2024

The match was competitive with a lot of physical play but good sportsmanship was on exhibit by both teams. If there was a hard challenges and an opponent went down, the other player on the other player was there to give her a hand to get up. There was a lot of talented small play and it was a great match to officiate.

Reporting Official: Thomas Vergeron

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Soccer

Campbellsport @ Ripon
April 11, 2024

Tyler Writt, Campbellsport's head coach, does a great job teaching, complimenting, mentoring and encouraging the players. He does it 100 percent of the time and while it probably should just be an expectation of all coaches, all officials and every fan, we pretty much know that's not happening. The bottom line is that Tyler sets the bar pretty darn high, for all of us to follow.

Reporting Official: Tom Konecny

Sportsmanship Plus - Baseball

St. Mary’s Springs @ Omro
April 11, 2024

Both the Omro and St. Mary’s school administrators should be very proud of their varsity baseball programs, both the players and coaches, for their display of positive sportsmanship during a recent contest. Nate Piper & Mason Boerner of Omro and Max Bauer & Ben Anderson of St. Mary’s Springs were obvious leaders of their teams, especially in showing respect for opponents as well as helping retrieve bats and foul balls during the contest. They offered many encouraging words to all involved, including some timely positive feedback for myself behind the plate, during high stress moments of the game. All were noticeably appreciative of their coaches, teammates, parents, and umpires. Great job all and best of luck the rest of the season!

Reporting Official: Brent Thompson

Sportsmanship Plus - Baseball

Appleton North @ Oshkosh West
April 9, 2024

The 2024 WIAA baseball season has started with many acts of positive Sportsmanship. Evan Johnson and Ryan Williamson led the Oshkosh West team by assisting opponents with bat retrieval, lots of hustle to and from their positions, and offering a kind hand of congratulations on a game well played. Matthew Hietpas, Brandon Schopf, and William Hoerner of Appleton North also added multiple acts of Sportsmanship by hustling to retrieve foul balls, purposely avoiding player to player contact in areas away from the active play, and to chase down a few Oshkosh players’ bats. We as umpires noticed these and many other positive acts of sportsmanship throughout the contest and very much appreciated them, thank you to both teams. Keep up the awesome work and have a great 2024 season!

Reporting Official: Brent Thompson