Sportsmanship - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Hockey

Waupun @ Fond du Lac
Jan. 31, 2020

This game was a big one for both schools. Not only would it determine who would make it to the the Badgerland Conference Tournament Championship game on Saturday, but it would also go a long way in determining seeding for postseason play. The game was fast paced and very clean. Waupun had zero penalties for the game and Fond du lac only had three or four. I was extremely impressed with the sportsmanship displayed by both teams. The student-athletes represented their schools and coaches, Coach Bucholz (Waupun) and Coach Sarazin (Fond du lac), to the highest degree. Well done young men!

Reporting Official: Ryan Reischel

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Newman Catholic @ Stratford
Jan. 21, 2020

This a complement to both head coaches, Jason Vander Elzen from Newman and Tammie Christopherson of Stratford. Both teams have been taught the right way to play defense and how to hustle. The entire evening they coached and my officiating crew officiated. It was a honor to officiate for both of these teams. The winners were both teams for the great example and teaching of both of these coaches. A very big thank you and keep up the great work.

Reporting Official: Dave Acaley

Sportsmanship Plus - Wrestling

Manawa @ Pittsville
Jan. 16, 2020

I commend Manawa and Pittsville for the atmosphere they created during their wrestling match. The night started like most others, but it was soon apparent that this was going to be a special night. Well before the contest started, the fans started filing in to show their support for the Pittsville coaches who were going to be honored that night in their final home dual after coaching for over 60+ combined years. Coaches Dan Hahn and Rick Winters of Pittsville have been great stewards of the sport for a very long time. The night started by acknowledging the support of the parents, then honoring the seniors, and finally, the recognition of the retiring coaches. All of this was before the contest ended in a tie. Through the entire contest, Coach Brad Johnson of Manawa, along with the Pittsville coaches, encouraged their wrestlers and never directed a negative comment towards me. All of the athletes on both teams fought hard and never showed displeasure with any call or the match result. It was a great night to be an official and accolades to both teams!

Reporting Official: Russ Lobner

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Little Chute @ Freedom
Jan. 16, 2020

I want to give a shout out to Freedom Activities Director Linda Olson. She was very gracious in greeting all of us and showing us where are locker room would be for the night’s game. Her coaches on both the varsity level, (Mike Vanderloop,) and junior varsity level were outstanding in coaching their players. The same could be said for their opponents, Little Chute coaches Shane Knudtson and Brian Garvey. The behaviors of both teams did not go unnoticed. Good Luck to both teams the rest of the season.

Reporting Official: Patrick Tschimperle

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Wausau West @ Chippewa Falls
Jan. 10, 2020

There are many things that make a great basketball game and amazing things happened that need to be shared and affirmed. It starts with game management and hospitality. Our game management staff was spot on–feeding us after the game, asking us how students are behaving and taking care of our needs to make us feel really important. Then the band–wow! The band at Chippewa Falls is incredible. Kudo's to the leaders of that group and the students who participate. A huge shout out goes to the student section.Often times we hear negative comments from student sections and we take great pride in showcasing when students show pride and respect themselves, their school, their community and their opponents. Hats off to their administration, students, coaching staff and fans for creating a great atmosphere on a Friday night. Makes it all worthwhile to see that kind of climate and culture.

Reporting Official: Brian Kenney

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Turner @ Racine St. Catherine’s
Jan. 3, 2020=

I just want to thank coach Ken Watkins, from Turner, for his outstanding sportsmanship during our game. There was a play where there was a scramble in the lane, and he asked for a timeout, which I could not grant because I could not see who had possession of the ball. After hearing some comments from the bench area, I addressed the bench a little bit and said I could not see the ball. Coach Watkins was quick to tell me he did not question the call. A few seconds later I told him I knew he wasn’t complaining and he patted me on the back and told me he thought we were doing a good job. He also told my partners on multiple times that he thought we were doing a good job. I know we all appreciated his sincerity and definitely thank him for coaching his players and letting us do the best job we can.

Reporting Official: Peter Kissinger

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Barneveld Tournament
Dec. 27, 2019

Barneveld High School held a holiday tournament again this year and the event was outstanding! Barneveld Athletic Director Randy Gabel greeted us at the door and made sure we were well taken care of. His table staff was outstanding as well. It was a two-day event and all the teams demonstrated excellent sportsmanship toward their opponents and officials. A great experience for everyone involved.

Reporting Official Dennis Baumann

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Swimming & Diving

Janesville Craig @ Madison La Follette
Dec. 20, 2019

Hayden Mueller, the Madison LaFollette boys swimming & diving yeam captain, showed exemplary leadership. Before the meet started, he checked with me as an official to see if the equipment (timing system, touchpads) were set up to my satisfaction. Later, he proactively worked with a number of less-experienced teammates to make sure they understood warm up procedures and other meet logistics to improve their likelihood of success during the meet. At the end of the meet, he directed cleanup and reminded them of details for the next day's meet. His respect for this teammates and their respect for him was evident, and his genuine concern that all aspects of the meet went smoothly was remarkable. This level of involvement and leadership for a high school student captain was clearly out of the ordinary and I am happy to shine a light to commend his actions.

Reporting Official: Pat Coyne

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Phillips @ Rib Lake
Dec. 17, 2019

We want to commend the Phillips coaching staff and players for their positive sportsmanship. We've officiated several of Coach Raskie's games during past seasons and he has always been respectful to us officials prior, during, and after the contest regardless if his team won or lost. His professional approach and management of his staff and players makes officiating his games very enjoyable. What stood out to us for this contest was that after the game we were walking past the Phillips bus to our vehicle and Coach Raskie went out of his way to exit the bus to shake our hands and tell us that we did a good job. This professional gesture and conduct from the head coach of the losing team meant a lot to us. It is also a great example to his players. The Phillips school district and community should be proud of Coach Raskie, his staff, and players. Keep up the great work!

Reporting Official: Michael Lindau

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Mauston @ Sparta (JV)
Dec. 17, 2019

Coaches for both JV boys basketball teams for Sparta (Ryan Pawlisch) and Mauston (Josh Potter) displayed excellent sportsmanship. As in every game, there were come calls my partner and I likely missed or got wrong. Despite our human errors and a close, high-excitement game, both coaches displayed and role modeled excellent sportsmanship. Mauston and Sparta are fortunate to have these gentlemen as coaches and role models for their students.

Reporing Official: Peter Blum