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Sportsmanship PLUS - Softball

Marinette @ Oconto Falls
April 15, 2025

The game itself was more than just a contest—it was a celebration of sportsmanship. Both teams came in well-coached, prepared and focused, but what stood out most was the mutual respect on display. Players helped each other with bats on foul balls and after the play ended. Coaches exchanged nods of appreciation, and the dugouts cheered not just for their own teammates, but for great plays on either side. Coach Steve Kurek from Oconto Falls and coach Ken Kacalo of Marinette and their schools and communities should be proud of these ladies on the field. There is one player I would like to spotlight who’s the first to greet you with a grin and the last to leave the field. It’s not just what she says, it’s how she carries herself. Whether she’s backing up a bad throw during warmups or jogging to the mound for a quick pep talk, she does it all with joy. Amelia Danielczak from Oconto Falls shows up with the same unshakable energy and ever-present smile during warm-ups until the teams leave the field of play at the end of the game. She reminds us that how you play the game matters just as much if not more than the final score. In a game that showcased not only skill but character, Danielczak reminded everyone that leadership isn’t just about calling pitches or making plays—it’s about lifting others up, staying positive, and playing with heart.

Reporting Official:  Jim Kostura

Sportsmanship PLUS - Softball

Waukesha West @ Mukwonago
April 14, 2025

I want to recognize Waukesha West varsity softball for being an absolute joy to umpire.  They are the definition of a true team, collaborating and cheering for each other, yelling and screaming positive cheers for their fellow teammates, celebrating teammates success, and recognizing when teammates may need to be picked up or teammates who may even be injured. This team is a blast to umpire. They are personable, and they are professional. Josh Kraner is doing a great job coaching these young women as his assistant coach. Special recognition to Kaiya Kraner, Paige Kahle, Payton Hisel and Emma Aguilera.  These girls are great and a true representation of young athletes and how to play the game the right way. I look forward to more of their games in the future and wish them well as they advance through the 2025 season.

Reporting Official: John Steffen

Sportsmanship PLUS - Baseball

Kaukauna at Hortonville
April 10, 2025

It is wonderful to see student athletes exhibit positive acts of sportsmanship before, during and after a varsity baseball game.  Kaukauna’s Isaac Maas and Ryker Donnermeyer, as well as Hortonville’s Turner Kuhnke and Rashed Kastner, exemplify what it means to be great sportsman and leaders of a team.  Keith and I wanted to congratulate these young men for this much appreciated display of showmanship and positive attitude. Thank you to Coach Jenkins and Coach Yeager for your positive and upbeat leadership by example, it was noticed by many.

Reporting Official:  Brent Thompso

Sportsmanship PLUS - Girls Soccer

Ozaukee @ Wayland Academy
April 12, 2025

I was AR2, which at Wayland is on the fans' side. Throughout the entire game, absolutely everyone from both Ozaukee and Wayland, classmates, parents through grandparents were positive 100 percent of the time, not even one mildly negative comment. It was a "wow" afternoon.

Reporting Official:  Tom Konecny

Sportsmanship PLUS - Softball

Manawa at Wittenberg-Birnamwood
April 10, 2025 

The sportsmanship displayed by coaches, players and fans was refreshing. I have worked for both of these schools in the past, their behavior was not unique to this game. They choose to treat officials, opponents and each other with respect. They learn this from coaches who understand that there is more to be learned from high school sports than just the game. It was a very well-played, competitive game. When we were done, all involved shook hands with both umpires. That doesn't always happen, but it sure feels and looks good when it does. Both teams and schools should be very proud of themselves. 

Reporting Official:  Gary Hagberg

Sportsmanship Plus - Baseball

Campbellsport @ Oakfield
April 3, 2025

Both the Campbellsport and Oakfield school administrators should be very proud of their varsity baseball programs. The players and coaches displayed positive sportsmanship during this early season contest. Carson Fisher and Ashton Hanke of Oakfield and Brody Dolan and Trenton Schladweiter of Campbellsport were obvious leaders of their teams, especially in showing respect for opponents as well as helping retrieve bats, helmets and foul balls near the plate. They offered many encouraging words to all involved, including the umpiring crew, and were noticeably appreciative of their coaches and teammates. Thanks to the head coaches and cousins Jim Krug and Jonah Krug for your positive leadership by example. It was appreciated and a nice reflection of your programs’ overall Sportsmanship.  Great job to all and best of luck this season!

Reporting Official:  Brent Thompson

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Algoma @ Clintonville
Jan. 7, 2025

I have to give credit to both head coaches in this game. They had very respectful conversation with us. When they had a question, we were able to have respectful conversations with them. They also held their players to high standards. The Clintonville coach had a question over a warning from one of their players. He responded by taken the players out and told me he didn't tolerate that. The Algoma coach, when he had questions, dealt with us in a very respectful manner. We appreciated this from the coaches and because of this, his players were respectful as well. That is what high school athletics should be all about.

Reporting Official:  Barry Harris

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Hockey

Middleton @ Wausau West Invitational
Jan. 11, 2025

I had the privilege of officiating the Wausau West invitational. One of the contests involved the boys hockey team from Middleton. The coaching staff, players and parents demonstrated excellent sportsmanship before during and after the game. It was very refreshing as an official to work a game with such a  disciplined team and great fans. I look forward to seeing this team again down the road!

Reporting Official:  Brock Kuklinski

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Freedom @ Clintonville
Dec. 20, 2024

I have to commend Clintonville’s #0 (Sam Wegener) for showing great sportsmanship during the game vs. Freedom. After a foul committed against Wegener, he ran up to the player and helped him up. That is just great sportsmanship that needs to be acknowledged. Also the Clintonville team as a whole displayed great sportsmanship during the game. This was not a close game and they all displayed great sportsmanship during the game.

Reporting Official:  Barry Harris

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Pittsville @ Tri-County
Dec. 17, 2024

The game was not close in the second half, Pittsville was in control the entire way. The Tri-County players were frustrated by their play, but Pittsville was well-coached and kept their cool and did not respond to anything being said or did not react negatively to their frustration. There was about eight minutes to go,, and there was a lot of contact on an errant pass and two players hit the floor. While the Tri-County players went the other way #15 (Dylan Luther) for Pittsville ran over picked up his teammate and also helped the Tri-County player, gave him some words of encouragement and went on with his business. It was a selfless act, that took little extra effort, but it stood out to me as a Sportsmanship Plus kind of act.

Reporting Official:  Tim Lewaren

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