News

Suring @ Three Lakes/Phelps
Sept. 28, 2018

We wish to acknowledge the best sideline we have experienced so far this year. Our hats off to Coach Tyler Maney for the exceptional efforts of coaching sportsmanship with his staff and players.  His coaching strategy keeps his players motivated and positive. First, Coach Maney did an excellent job helping the officials with some timing issues at the beginning of the contest and during the game.  He went up to the Suring coach to inform him that the timing will be corrected and apologized.  Second, Coach Maney and his staff did a great job keeping words positive and accepting the explanations of officials. He created the time to provide teachable moments for his players and recognized the positive acts of officials. It is evident that Mr. Maney’s attitude and actions rub off on his staff and players as they were respectful towards each other and the opponent. Our crew saw the hands of the Three Lakes players extended to help the opponents off the turf. Third, the players provided the football to an official immediately to keep the flow of the game, asked good questions, and respectfully listened to the officials as we work towards preventative officiating. Last, we saw a group of coaches who kept their players and themselves inside the box at the snap and throughout the play.  We never had to remind them like we normally have to do every Friday night. The fans were exceptional!  Not once did we hear a negative comment. They did what positive fans do, cheer on their team during great plays, as well as subpar plays. The parents’ and fans’ actions teach students how to properly behave in society when the game is meant for entertainment and to teach the many lessons of life. Our crew officiated a hard hitting game that saw players from both teams acting as young adults should in a spirited contest. The communities of Three Lake and Phelps should be proud of the actions of their coaches, players, and fans as we enjoy the great game of football.

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland

Luther @ Viroqua
Sept. 13, 2018

Both teams played and competed with the utmost respect for each other. Both coaches were exceptional to work for and were positive with the officials and the players throughout the match. I also want to acknowledge the student fans from Viroqua. They positively cheered throughout the contest. They were loud and into the match and there was never a time where they were involved in derogatory cheering against the opponent. The administration, parents, and coaches should be very proud of the product they are putting on the court.  Not only great athletes, but great kids.

Reporting Official:  Lance Bagstad

Oneida Nation @ Lena
Sept. 4, 2018

This was a good, close game between two talented teams. They played hard and the sportsmanship displayed was outstanding. The fans from both schools were respectful and displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the game. I was even thank by one of the parents on the way out for working the match.

Reporting Official: Michael Lyons

D.C. Everest @ Wausau West
Sept. 14, 2018

Each sideline was very professional in their behavior and actions. Players from both teams showed great sportmanship in helping each other after plays and complimenting each other after plays. Wausau West personnel greeted us and showed us to our dressing areas and treated us with beverages before, during and after the game. Kudos to both teams for a well-played game!

Reporting Official:  Patrick Tschimperle

Mosinee @ Ashland
Sept. 7, 2018

Our officiating crew is indeed honored to write a sportsmanship letter on behalf of the Ashland Oredockers and the Mosinee Indians during their Week 4 Football Contest. Thank you to Ashland High School and Athletic Director Brian Miller for their ability to make the transition to a new location easy and with a dose of fine hospitality.   We acknowledge the outstanding sportsmanship exhibited by both football programs.  Coach Larson and Coach Martens have done a fine job with their football programs in demanding outstanding sportsmanship. Coaches did what they do best, coach and allowed the officials to do their job. They asked questions politely and accepted the answers provided.  The sportsmanship and positive behavior exhibited by the coaching staff bled into the actions of the players. Players were respectful to each other, helped each other off the turf, and communicated effectively with officials.  We were so grateful that the receivers and backs provided the ball to the umpire quickly so as to keep the game moving at a consistent pace.  Also, the language was kept clean and comments exchanged with the opposition positive.  Also, the chain gang during the contest was impressive and took pride with their responsibilities. Last, the wing officials would like to thank the ball boys of each team. Dylan of Mosinee and Logan of Ashland did a fantastic job in being attentive and fulfilling their duties in a prompt manner. Hats off to Coach Larson and Coach Martens and their staff for teaching the most important element of sports, Sportsmanship!

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland