News

Elcho/White Lake @ Crandon
Oct. 13, 2017

Our crew would like to recognize the outstanding sportsmanship of the Elcho/White Lake Wolverines coaching staff and players. What an honor it was to officiate this team. The crew was impressed with the coaching staff and players’ upbeat attitude and sportsmanship. The coaches were supportive of the game and of the officials with the positive energy they exhibited. Though the game was not going in their favor, the coaches motivated players to stay strong and have fun. The words and actions of the coaches kept the players resilient during the contest.  The coaches’ words were positive and kept the game exciting for their players. They were also positive and supportive of the officials, asking good questions and honoring the answers provided. After a multiple foul play and after the signals were provided to the fans and after correcting a timing error towards the end of the game, Coach Kizirian commented on how the cheers were for the officials. Though this may not be actually the case, his laughter and positive attitude made the contest an enjoyable event to officiate. The coaches’ behavior drained into the players of the Wolverine football Team. Not once did the officials hear a negative comment by the players among players on the team or to the opposing team. They helped players of both sides off the turf, found officials to give the ball to, and communicated well with their coaches and officials, which kept the game running smoothly.  At halftime and on the ride home, the officials discussed the leadership of Wolverine quarterback. He was respectful, took responsibility, positively motivated his players, and kept smiling and having fun. Our crew commented how his actions were the most enjoyable to view thus far this year.  This style of behavior on the field is modeled and taught by the coaches who lead by example. The officiating crew would like to congratulate the efforts of the Elcho/White Lake coaching staff.  Success isn’t always shown by wins and losses. If this type of behavior was consistent throughout the 2017 football season, the Wolverines had a very successful season.

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland

Monroe @ Monona Grove
Oct. 10, 2017

Monona Grove's record put them at the top of their division and Monroe's record put them at the bottom of their division. With of these factors, the Monroe players were respectful of the other team. They often stopped to help up a Monona Grove player who slipped in the mud. The Monroe players were respectful of the officiating crew. I don't once recall a Monroe player arguing a call not in their favor. The Monroe players were having fun and playing a solid game of soccer in adverse conditions. All of the Monroe players thanked the officiating crew and some of the Monona Grove players after the game. It was an honor to officiate the game and an honor to work with a group of athletes who displayed excellent sportsmanship and who represented their school and the WIAA in an exceptional manner.

Reporting Official:  Jason Cram

Bloomer @ Hayward/Lac Courte de Reilles
Oct. 6, 2017

The rain did not dampen the excitement and hard work the communities put into enjoying the game and teaching fine sportsmanship. Our crew was impressed with the actions of the coaches. They were organized, and the players were disciplined.  The coaches were respectful to their players, peers and officials.  Coaches made the most of the teachable moments and changing players’ behavior. This was seen several times by both sidelines, but none more important than Coach O’Brien addressing an issue of one of his players immediately.  Also, coaches politely made comments recognizing the positive acts of the officiating crew, as well as indicating issues they may have with plays. The players were spirited and treated the opposing team with respect. Players helped opposing players off the turf and positively acknowledged the efforts of the other team. There was no jawing back and forth among players, and there was never a negative comment said about the other team.  The backs found the umpire and gave the ball to the official immediately so he could keep it dry.  If the backs didn’t, two Hplayers would always pick up the ball and hand it to the umpire. Congratulations Coach O’Brien and Coach Post for the hard work coaching and the fine job of educating our youth on the importance of positive sportsmanship.  We wish both of your teams the best of success!


Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland

Wayland Academy @ Columbus
Sept. 18, 2017

Columbus showed excellent sportmanship in a game that was controlled by Wayland Academy.  No contesting of any call. The team was very good sports during each of the goals scored against them and just played to their ability.  They are to be commended.

Reporting Official:  Steven Melendez

Prairie Farm @ Mercer/Butternut
Sept. 19, 2017

Both teams’ coaches did a remarkable job of educating their players on the game of football and positive behavior. Not once did we hear a negative comment by players, coaches or spectators. Coaches did a remarkable job keeping their players motivated. What we saw was an experienced coaching staff continuing a fine tradition of proper sportsmanship behavior, while another team’s coaching staff is beginning an outstanding custom of positive actions when it comes to establishing a program of football, teamwork and sportsmanship. Players and community supporters enjoyed the game and taught one another the etiquette of proper sportsmanship. Players on each side helped the opposing team off the turf and congratulated each other on fine plays. Players asked officials good questions and accepted the answers and rulings of game action.  Also, the communities of each team were loud and positive. It is amazing how small communities enthusiastically support their student-athletes and teach them the fine tradition of proper sportsmanship.  

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland