Sportsmanship - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Volleyball

Delavan-Darien @ Martin Luther
Sept. 12

Before the match all starters from the visitors shook my hand. (Ladder official). Coach Elizabeth Kohn, (visiting head coach) disagreed with a no call. She thought a return hit the ceiling. She asked my floor partner what she saw. I called my partner over, but she said she did not see. I then called line judges over. The home line judge, the freshman home coach, said the ball hit the ceiling. This call went against the home team. Good sportsmanship there. I called for a replay and the visiting coach was okay with this. The visiting coach had questioned an over-the-net attack (not called) on the home team. Between sets, I explained to her what I saw and why I made no call. She thanked me for the explanation. When the match was completed and we were leaving, the visiting captain came over and shook our hands and thanked us. The visitors lost in five sets. Thank you from defeated teams are gratifying. Martin Luther’s Coach Kelsey was pleasant throughout a tight match. Just a few small gestures can, and do, make for a good atmosphere.

Reporting Official: Dale Laabs

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Soccer

Green Bay Preble JV vs. Amherst JV & Wautoma JV
Sept. 9, 2023

I officiated Green Bay Preble JV1 games during Wautoma's soccer tournamentso for the 50 minutes (two 25-minute halves) that I was in Preble's defensive half of the field, goalie Landin Gauthier came across as a great teammate. Yes, he talked quite a bit but (and) absolutely everything was positive and encouraging. As a result, I believe I was able to get a very good perspective (sampling) on a very good person.

Reporting Official: Tom Konecny

Sportsmanship Plus - Football

Cedar Grove-Belgium @ Lake Mills
Aug. 24, 2023

Our crew all agreed that we wish every game could be like this one. Both the Lake Mills and Cedar Grove-Belgium teams displayed all around great sportsmanship. Not once was there anything near a skirmish on the field. Players were constantly helping opponents up off the turf after the play. The coaching staffs were great to work with, and they were coaching their players, never criticizing them. Even with the poor weather and late start, we would gladly work this game again.

Reporting Official: Randall Koyu

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Soccer

Edgerton @ Mount Horeb
Aug. 26, 2023

The game was a competitive and the play was hard and fast. Often challenges ended up with both players on the ground. What was nice was the first to get up helped out the other to get to their feet. The yellow cards that were issued were playing yellow, and not for dissent of intimidation. At the end of the game all the players were shaking the hands of the other players and the Mount Horeb players thanked Edgerton players.

Reporting Official: Thomas Vergeront

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Soccer

Campbellsport JV @ Fond du Lac JV
Aug. 28, 2023

Simply stated, all of the 80+ parents, all of the players and both coaches were great every minute of the afternoon, from pre-game through post-game – WOW !!

Reporting Official: Tom Konecny

Sportsmanship Plus - Football

Hurley @ Ashland
Aug. 25, 2023

This letter is to acknowledge the outstanding sportsmanship exhibited by coaches, players, and fans. First, we wish to acknowledge the Ashland staff for their outstanding communication and hospitality. We were provided escorts, refreshments, and accommodations that allowed to us prepare for and review after the game. Coach Larson and Coach Erickson did an exceptional job motivating their team to play hard and showcase positive sportsmanship. Coaches used words of encouragement and kept words positive during adversity. It was noticed that coaches received a great deal of respect from their players. Players exhibited positive sportsmanship their coaches modeled. They listened to the officials, kept words constructive, and motivated their own team to excel; plus, the captains did a great job keeping their team focused and motivated. We would like to acknowledge the grounds keeper, announcer, clock operator, and chain crew. The maintenance team did an exceptional job with the field. This rivalry is spirited and the fans did a great job cheering for their own team. No derogatory remarks were heard. 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

Sportsmanship Plus - Football

Holmen @ Chippewa Falls
Aug. 17, 2023

The Chippewa Falls athletic department greeted us at the door, took us to the field then made sure we had water at halftime. After the game we were led to the locker room and escorted out. That sounds simple, but trust that this treatment is not common enough. Now the game. These two teams .should make a video of what WIAA sports are supposed to be. GREAT sportsmanship from 6 p.m. until the final whistle. Both coaching staffs, players and fans were absolutely exemplary. Sportsmanship galore. What an experience. We can’t say enough good things. I hope both communities realize how special their football teams are. Congratulations to everyone involved. This is how it’s done!

Reporting Official: Rich Hohl

Sportsmanship Plus - Baseball

Sun Prairie East vs. Watertown & Hudson
May 13, 2023

Sun Prairie East held a quad. We had Hudson versus Kettle Moraine, then versus Watertown. Three quality teams and programs and we enjoyed two great games! These were not the closest games, but Coaches Blegen, Wolbert and Cashin, and their players were outstanding! Quality players and play, but classier young men! Coaches could not have been better! Just the way high school sports should be. Huge thanks to all three schools!

Reporting Official: Tom Young

Sportsmanship Plus - Baseball

Homestead @ Port Washington
May 10, 2023

I had the privilege of being the plate umpire for a conference baseball game between Homestead and Port Washington. I was greatly impressed by the sportsmanship of both teams. The catchers were great to work with. The coaches were excellent. All in all, it was a very enjoyable baseball game to call.

Reporting Official: Jason Piittmann

Sportsmanship Plus - Track & Field

Arrowhead Myrhum Track & Field Invitational
May 6, 2023

I want to take the time to congratulate and thank Chris Herriot, Ryan Mangan and the Arrowhead staff for the tremendous job they did in hosting the Myrhum Track and Field Invitational on Saturday, May 6. In an event that had active and far reaching participation from across our state their tireless efforts created a great venue for boys and girls to participate in a highly competitive meet that delivered on all levels for athletes, coaches, families and the track and field community. The communication prior to the meet and at the meet was on point in helping athletes, coaches and fans to best enjoy this outstanding meet. Meet officials did an excellent job keeping the meet moving and all seemed to be very proactive and athlete friendly as they administered the meet. We at Janesville Parker sincerely appreciated this competition and we know that it took a collaborative effort from all involved to make it the memorable event that it was for our student athletes. Thank you to the Chris Herriot and the ARROWHEAD team for a job well done!

Reporting Individual: Joe Dye