News

Antigo @ Berlin
Aug. 17, 2018

What a great start to the 2018 high school football season! We had the privilege working this game and would like to give both programs a “shout out” for their sportsmanship and positive teaching approach. It began with the professionalism of Athletic Director Joe Brandl who met us with a reserved parking space and then escorted us to our dressing facilities where he had provided a pregame snack and Gatorade for us. Upon entering the field we met with coaches from both teams who were outstanding in their positive and instructive approach. Joe Stellmacher (Berlin) and Tom Schofield (Antigo) and their staffs are both excellent examples of what it means to make high school sports an extension of the class room. Both teams were well-coached and disciplined. Both teams played hard and respectful. Both coaching staffs were professional and engaged, encouraging their athletes and allowing us to do our jobs to the best of our ability. It is when coaches coach, officials manage their environment and players compete that sport is at its best. In high school sports every team has the opportunity to learn the value of hard work, persistence, team work, how to compete, how to deal with success and even more importantly how to deal with adversity. It is not the mistakes or adversity in life that defines us but how we respond. These young men from both of these programs have coaches and staffs that will teach them those lessons which wills serve them well after their football playing ends. It was a privilege to be a part of this high school sports experience and a great way to begin the season.

Reporting Official:  Stephan Sanders

Prescott @ Rhinelander
Friday, Aug. 17, 2018

Our officiating crew would like to applaud the coaches, players and spectators of the Prescott Cardinals for their fine display of sportsmanship during their Week 1 football contest. We experienced a well-coached and discipline team. The coaching staff provided positive words of encouragement to their players and communicated with the officiating crew in a constructive manner. The players focused on playing hard, listened to officials, and kept their words and actions on the field positive. It was so encouraging not to hear inappropriate language that is becoming so commonplace. Also, the fans were spirited and kept their words helpful and encouraging. The sportsmanship displayed by the community is what high school sports is all about: learning, growing, and having fun.  Our linesman summed it up in one word “respect.” We congratulate Coach Haglund for establishing an environment of positive sportsmanship.  We were honored to officiate their game and wish them the best of success.

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland

Spring Valley @ Glenwood City
May 18, 2018

I would like to recognize good sportsmanship by both teams, but after the game, Spring Valley really set the bar high for sportsmanship and a touch of class when they gave both of us umpires a thank you card, thanking us for giving our time and calling a good and fair game. I can't say enough. The card presented and signed by all players and Coaches Cipriano and Christopherson was much appreciated and a class act. You are representing your community well and really set the bar high for sportsmanship by using a thank you card.

Reporting Official:  Patrick Plumer

Fox Valley Lutheran @ Freedom
May 15, 2018

Isaac Gerhardt of FVL and both Noah Taege and Jack Williams of Freedom were the clear “example setters” for their teams during this contest.  Each of them showed lots of hustle, excellent sportsmanship while interacting with opponents, coaches and umpires, and they spent a little extra time helping me after numerous plays by retrieving a bat or a foul ball.  Both the communities of Freedom and Appleton should be proud to have student athletes who act in this manner.  We as umpires appreciate the positive atmosphere they create on the field.  Thank you to all involved and best of luck in the playoffs!

Reporting Official: Brett Thompson

Niagara @ Crivitz
May 10, 2018

We were presented with excellent sportsmanship displayed by both coaches. The coaches for Crivitz and Niagara need to be acknowledged. They not only encouraged their players on their teams to play a better game, but when the other team performed outstanding, they would let the other team’s player know that they were impressed with the player’s actions. Never a discouraging word. Both coaches exhibited the pinnacle of what a coach should be. I know why Crivitz and Niagara school systems selected these coaches. I understand why these coaches have longevity at these schools. I want to thank Crivitz Coach Arlin Grandaw and Niagara Coach Duane Blagec for an exciting and pleasant afternoon of softball.

Reporting Official:  James Kostura