News

La Crosse Logan @ La Crosse Central (Varsity Reserve)
Oct. 3, 2019

It's always a pleasure officiating a contest when coaches take care of coaching, players take care of playing, and officials are allowed to do their jobs. This was definitely the case in the varsity reserve volleyball match. Every point of the match was hotly contested. The players left everything they had on the floor. The coaches concentrated their efforts coaching their players. This behavior speaks volumes about the the fabric of both schools from the administrators to the coaches. It's obvious everyone puts competition in perspective. Both schools deserve our congratulations for their sportsmanship. The "PLUS" part of this contest is the care I received after losing consciousness and falling from the referee's platform in the middle of the third set. Principal Troy Mc Donald and Activities Director Joe Beran should be congratulated for having a crisis response plan in place and carrying it out to perfection. I'm not sure who all to thank, but I definitely saw the concern and compassion on both Troy's and Joe's face.

Reporting Official:  Chuck Ihle

Merrill @ Ashland
Sept. 27, 2019

Our officiating crew would like to extend its gratitude for the fine sportsmanship displayed by the Ashland and the Merrill during the Week 6 contest. First, we would like to say thank you for the fine hospitality received from the staff as we were provided escorts, refreshments, and accommodations that allowed to us prepare for and review after the game. The coaches did an exceptional job of managing and motivating their sidelines. Coach Larson and his staff is one of the most positive, energetic, and respectful set of coaches we have had the privilege of officiating over the past three years. Though the game was not going his way, he kept his players pumped with positive words of encouragement as he is always coaching. Coach Larson positively interacts with his coaches and players, and this is the reason why we have written sportsmanship letters on his behalf in the past. He was respectful and gracious of the officials and appreciated the explanations given by them. Coach Klug did a great job of managing his players and coaches. He ensured the coaches/players box was respected and took care of a language issue in an immediate and positive manner. Coach Klug appreciated the communication with officials and illustrated this with his words and actions. The spirited contest had both teams playing hard and showing respect for the other team. We didn’t hear one negative comment from opposing teams and each team extended hands to help the opposing player off the turf. We are also grateful for the backs handing the umpire the ball so the pace of play could run consistent and smooth.  Last, we would like to provide a shout out to the clock operator. He did the best job we have experienced all year; well done! Overall, the actions of the coaches, players, and clock operator made this contest very enjoyable to officiate. We tip our caps off to Coach Larson and Coach Klug for exhibiting positive sportsmanship that bled to the players, staff, and fans. It is important to teach youth about winning, but it’s even more important to educate our youth about handling adversity and problem solving. We thank Ashland High School for their outstanding hospitality and congratulate both schools for their efforts in teaching and demonstrating positive sportsmanship.

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland

Waupaca @ Amherst
Sept. 27, 2019

Amherst AD Shawn Groshek and the Amherst students deserve a big shout-out. Shawn welcomed us and made sure we had everything we needed, but the students stole the show. Throughout both the varsity and JV games that night, the students were incredibly supportive, appropriately loud, and also very funny! Their cheers and shouts had me in stitches all night long and it made a long evening very enjoyable and entertaining. Bravo to Amherst for creating such a positive and energetic atmosphere!

Reporting Official: Matt Miles

Northland Pines @ Rhinelander
Sept. 26, 2019

I wanted to compliment both teams on a well-contested conference rematch. There was no trash talking, little grumbling about calls, no challenges/tackles intended to intimidate opponents...just soccer. One particular occurrence stood out during the final five minutes of play, with the score 0-0 and both teams pressing very hard to get the potential game winning score. Pines striker #10 Liam Oas was fed a through ball and was attempting to break on goal; defended by Rhinelander #4 Hugh Wiese and #2 Harrison Shiners. The Rhinelander keeper #1 Gavin Osterman came off his line to defend as well, the keeper secured the loose ball as the four players collided and fell to the ground. These situations - late in the game - can be fraught with emotion, intensity and reaction. Instead I witnessed players checking in with each other to make sure they were "OK"; complimenting each other with a "good play" and helping each other get back on their feet and getting "on" with the game at hand. It was so refreshing to see that. Best of luck to both teams in the remaining season.

Reporting Official:  Rob Hom

Tomah @ Sparta
Sept. 13, 2019

The 114th rivalry football game between Sparta and Tomah exhibited exceptional leadership by Coach Dow (Sparta) and Coach Plueger( Tomah). The community and students filled the stands and end zones. Great sportsmanship was exhibited by players, coaches, fans, sideline staff and ball boys. Players were assisting the opponent after tackles, compliments exchanged with great runs/catches and few flags. The atmosphere was dynamic with positive cheering by students and fans. It was a football games that encouraged our first-year official with its quality of play, coaches, fans and excitement. The game, host school , coaches, players and fans were excellent examples on how academics, athletics, armed forces and community create a positive experience for all.

Reporting Official:  Daniel Braund