News

Chesterton Academy @ Veritas/Tenor
Sept. 28, 2023

In the first set, Veritas/Tenor was down by a significant margin. Chesterton's server serves the ball at the baseline where it falls untouched. The student line judge is a bit confused and eventually calls out. Immediately, both Veritas/Tenor Head Coach Carly Anderson and her assistant say that the ball is clearly in. As R1 is awarding the point to her team, Coach Anderson approaches me as R2 to state that the ball was clearly in. I get my R1's attention and she repeats the statement. The R1 accepts Coach Anderson's honor call and changes the call and awards the point to Chesterton. After this happens I overhear the Chesterton bench express their stunned admiration that the opponent would give up a "break". I believe that this act of sportsmanship and fair play should be admired and commended.

Reporting Official:  Michael Baird

Mount Horeb @ Watertown Luther Prep
Sept. 23, 2023

Watertown Luther Prep was very gracious and polite during the entire game. They helped get the ball in play for both teams and substitutes went to the field very fast and helped keep the game going. All of the fans from both schools were very polite and only cheered for the players and never had a bad word for any referee call. This is a first for me in all the years of refereeing at WIAA varsity level sports.

Reporting Official:  Steven Melendez

This game was by far the best football game we have worked in years! Both teams play old school, smash mouth, run the ball football, something I really enjoy! Both teams are very physical and well coached. The kids obviously have connections and know each other and it was on display. Throughout the game, they were patting each other on the head for good play, helping each other up from the ground, etc. Too many examples to cite.  Both coaches (Coleman's Jeff Bronson and Oconto Falls Nicholas Bohl) were awesome. Coaching their kids up, showing respect for each other, their programs, and the game of football, while preaching life lessons of hard work, supporting and trusting their teammates, while celebrating success, but also using "failure" as a teaching moment...the true value of high school athletics. The greatest show of sportsmanship and leadership occurred when Oconto Falls had a significant injury to one of its players (dislocated ankle) and the coaches and trainers from both programs rushed to the field to aid the player. Upon knowing the significance of the injury calling the First Responders out, Athletic Director/ Head Coach Bronson was asked about driving the ambulance on the field, and his response showed his integrity, "Of course!” Thanks to both schools and programs for an excellent night of Friday Night Lights!

Reporting Official:  Steve Walsh

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

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