Sportsmanship - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

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

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Iola-Scandinavia @ Manawa
Dec. 10, 2024

Wanted to send out a shout out to Mr. Jeff Bortle at Manawa for the treatment we received as officials. Our dressing room, albeit a bit small, was stocked with refrigerated water as well as granola bars, lifesavers, chapstick and even complimentary pink whistles. Our crew really appreciated the way we were greeted at the school and how we were escorted to the dressing area at halftime and at the end of the game. Both coaching staffs from Manawa and Iola-Scandinavia were very professional in their demeanor and behaviors It was a very hard-fought game going down to the last possession. This was a classic match up of two arch rivals competing against each other. Everyone in attendance got "their monies worth," and I am sure they can't wait until they play each other again.

Reporting Official: Patrick Tschimperle

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Sheboygan Falls @ Two Rivers
Dec. 10, 2024

I want to commend your players and coaching staff of the boys basketball program. My crew worked this game and the players on the floor were outstanding with their behavior. The coach was very under control and showed the sportsmanship that all kids and programs should have. It was not a close game and the coach kept teaching and the players worked very hard and that is what athletics is all about. Keep up the good work putting a great product of sportsmanship on the hardwood. It was a pleasure working with your school.

Reporting Official: Barry Harris

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Kimberly @ De Pere
Dec. 10, 2024

Coach Dave Lipisto and his staff do an excellent job with their team. I’ve had them in two contests in close succession. Both games were tight games and both Coach Lepisto and his coaching staff were very professional and easy to talk with throughout the games. Additionally for the game in which I had their team at home on 12/3/24 the game management staff and fans were very friendly and the atmosphere was fantastic! It was a pleasure.

Reporting Official: Jeryn Daggs

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Hockey

River Falls @ Menomonie
Dec. 3, 2024

We officiated a JV and varsity doubleheader, and over the course of those two games, we called several penalties, a penalty shot and probably missed a few calls. They were two solid teams that competed hard for the win so, needless to say, there was plenty of physicality. During the entire evening, not a single player or coach questioned a single call. Quite literally, everyone on the ice and benches was respectful and sportsmanlike. This was truly one of the most enjoyable games that we've ever worked. I'd like to give a shout out to the coaches on both squads. It's very apparent that the teams followed the lead of their coaching staff. While the kids were great, they followed the tremendous example of their coaches and leaders. It's games like this that are the reason I officiate. Thank you to everyone involved!

Reporting Official: Jason Lassen

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Two Rivers @ Denmark Tournament
Dec. 7, 2024

Two Rivers players and coaches displayed outstanding sportsmanship. They would always say thank you when we handed them the ball and they would always go out of their way to hand us the ball. They made it very pleasurable to officiate their game. We had them for Friday and Saturday and the sportsmanship was the same. Nice job Two Rivers.

Reporting Official: Barry Harris

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Seymour @ Southwest JV
Nov. 26, 2024

I had the pleasure of working a JV-2 game at Southwest. I was impressed with the sportsmanship of both teams and coaches. The game went well, and the players and coaches exhibited excellent sportsmanship from the start to the finish of the game. Both teams and coaches came over after the game and shook our hands and thanked us for being there. This was especially cool since it was my partners very first game! A job very well done.

Reporting Official: Michael Lyons