News

Ladysmith @ Hayward/La Courte Oreilles
Oct. 11, 2019

This letter is to again acknowledge the outstanding sportsmanship displayed by Hayward. The school district puts forth the hard work to  teaching fine sportsmanship with their coaches, students, fans, and game management. The coaches were organized, communicated positively and modeled the proper behavior that teaches what sports is about, which is having fun, being competitive, learning leadership, and solving problems. The coaches’ actions modeled the sportsmanship behavior for the players and fans. The lines judge provided adjectives like class, enthusiasm, and respect to describe the head coach. The assistant coach informed the crew prior to kick off that he is loud and will be yelling, but he never yells at officials. This is what the crew experienced as his sense of humor motivated his players in a positive manner. Hayward’s coaching staff questions were asked in a respectful manner, and the answers were accepted in the same way. There were a variety of other people who made this game enjoyable to officiate. Fans were supportive and positive. The loud cheers and support of the team and community was proudly exhibited. This was influenced by the positive statements made by the announcer for both teams. The clock operator was one of the best we have experienced all year, and the experienced chain crew made the game flow smoothly. Athletics Director Billy O’Brien was outstanding with his pregame communication and his hospitality during and after the game. He really makes officials feel welcomed and appreciated  Congratulations to Coach Berghammer and his staff for the fine job of coaching and the outstanding work you do in educating our youth on the importance of positive sportsmanship. We wish Hayward’s sports’ programs the best of success!

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland

West De Pere @ Wrightstown
Oct. 11, 2019

I speak on behalf of our entire football crew when I say it was a privilege and honor to be a part of a great high school sporting experience. It began with the excellent communication and organization by Athletic Director Craig Haese and his assistant, Brenda Halfman. Their attention to detail was outstanding and effective. We were met with hospitality and courtesy by everyone at Wrightstown High School. The two respective coaches, Steve Klister of Wrightstown and Jack Battan of West DePere are two of the finest examples of what role models for young athletes should be. Both teams were well-coached, organized and respectful to each other and to us as a crew. Both teams played hard to the whistle and then were helping each other up for the next play. Both teams displayed an intensity and mutual respect. Understanding that results are important and that is the reason scores and standings are kept, the results in this contest were secondary to the effort and pride shown by each of these teams. One could sense that these athletes are taught lessons each day at practice that will extend well past their high school playing days. Coach Klister and Coach Battan are preparing these young men for success in life. What was truly rewarding was at games end to see players from both teams sincerely congratulating and slapping each other on the back on a well-played and hard-fought game. Each team could walk away with pride, regardless of the results, having given their best effort and leaving it all on the field of play knowing they did their best.

Reporting Official:  Stephen Sanders

Medford Invitational
Oct. 3

The meet was held in cold, raining weather on a very muddy course. Often at the end of a race some of the top finishers turn to congratulate some of the other finishers as they cross the finish line. This day, the top ten finishers took this to higher level. It started with the top two finishers from Marshfield and carried over to the top 10 finishers. The ten 10 runners lined the end of the finish chute to shake the hand of each and every runner. With the weather being very poor, their shoes very wet and the back of their uniforms covered in mud they had every right to go get some warm dry clothes. But these runners stayed until each and every runner finished the course. The greeted each runner no matter what school they were from. This show of support of their fellow competitors was a joy to watch.

Reporting Official:  Michael Bub

Xavier @ SPRAWL Tournament
Sept. 28, 2019

Throughout the day the entire team, head coach Luke Herriges, assistant coaches, and players were awesome to work with. Whether it was during play or when they were our work team on their off rounds, they went above and beyond to show excellent sportsmanship to all, officials and competitors alike. This was a feeling both my partner and I shared as we discussed the day on our way out of the facility. Coach Herriges and the Xavier athletic department should be proud of the great program they have. Best of luck the rest of the season and I hope to see them down the road!

Reporting Official:  Patrick Mott

Verona @ Madison Memorial
Sept. 27, 2019

As a crew we want to thank coaches Harris (Memorial) and Richardson (Verona) for their willingness to work together on a night that weather wise was less than ideal. It was one of the best football games I, as well as our crew, have had the privilege to be a part of. The level of respect shown between coaches and players of both teams as well as toward officials was what we hope for each week. Hard hits, helping each other up, patting teammates and opponents on the back and respectfully asking for clarification of situations or fouls was so refreshing. Such behaviors and actions begin with coaches, faculty and administration and is reinforced at home. The play was intense and the players represented their schools and communities splendidly. The Boards of Education in both Madison and Verona should be very proud of what is being taught and learned by these players and the teaching that is taking place. We would be honored to officiate for either team any time any place as they made our roles easier and much more pleasant.

Reporting Official:  Thomas Steward