Sportsmanship - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

Sportsmanship Plus-Boys Hockey

D.C. Everest @ Eau Claire North
Feb. 14, 2023

In a WIAA regional game, the Eau Claire North hockey team demonstrated excellent sportsmanship at the start, during and the end of the contest. The coaching staff displayed good control over their players, asked questions in a professional manner and directed their student athletes in accordance with rules of good sportsmanship. Their on ice captains displayed qualities of good leadership, and worked with the officials when asked to keep the game flow and maintain a good educational based environment. It was a playoff game that both teams should be proud to be a part of.

Reporting Official: Scott Swid

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Northland Pines @ Medford
Feb. 10, 2023

The environment was electric as the stands were full of supporters, and the pep band was entertaining the crowd. Both coaches should be commended for their great show of sportsmanship and passionate coaching for the entire game. The game was close all the way and the players were playing hard from the tip off until the final buzzer. All of the players from both teams displayed a high level of sportsmanship at all times. The fans from both sides were supportive of their teams and cheered with great vigor throughout the game. All three of us officials were grateful to have the opportunity to officiate at that game. That was a picture of what high school basketball should be all about. Please extend our comments to the high schools, coaches, players and the fans for a great night of high school basketball.

Reporting Official: Jim Trzinski

Winter State Tournament Sportsmanship Awards Announced

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, in cooperation with Rural Mutual Insurance, has chosen the recipients of the team Sportsmanship Awards for the 2023 winter State Tournaments.

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Ashland @ Lakeland
Feb. 21, 2023

Every year near the end of the season we see many Parent Nights or Senior Nights. But at this game we saw a really neat Senior Night. After pre-game warm-ups, Lakeland introduced the sSeniors and their parents and presented carnations. But before they started with the Lakeland seniors, the PA announcer called out the Ashland seniors and presented them with carnations to take home to their parents. Then they called out the Lakeland seniors and their parents. This was such a neat way to include the visiting team at the end of the season. Well done T-Birds!

Reporting Official: Rob Frenchick

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Milwaukee Excellence @ Kenosha Indian Trail
Feb. 9, 2023

After the varsity game, a player from Milwaukee Excellence Charter School and a parent from the stands, cleaned up their bench including the towels, water cups, etc., before exciting the court. This was after being defeated in the game. The entire group of student-athletes and coaches were respectful, good sports, and a pleasure to host. Additionally, I had a parent from my school approach me after the contest to praise how hard Milwaukee Excellence Charter School worked on the court, how they never gave up, and how they were a good opponent. Thank you Coach Joseph and your entire staff and players!

Reporting Administrator: Nick Myers

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Notre Dame @ Bay Port
Jan. 30, 2023

Coach Dennis Gladwell of Bay Port handled himself very well on the court. Talking with us officials very professionally but passionately as a coach should. After the game, Coach Gladwell made sure to thank us for our work tonight but also all we do as officials. It was a great conversation and a positive reminder of why we do the things we do for youth sports! We really appreciate the kind words.

Reporting Official: Jeryn Daggs

Sportsmanship Plus - Wrestling

West Salem vs. De Pere
Jan. 28, 2023

The Panthers are extremely fortunate to have Josh Brewer as their coach, mentor and role model. He sets an example that all coaches in wrestling should follow. Wrestling is a very technical sport, featuring an unlimited amount of situations and holds. Shortly into their match with De Pere, I began listening to him coach. In every situation, Brewer would give his wrestlers the precise information that would lead to positive outcomes. In my 35 years of officiating, I have never seen a coach interpret every situation so quickly and completely. This is what led to this sportsmanship review. Because of his complete concentration on his wrestlers, Josh didn't waste time telling me how to do my job. Josh's focus was on helping his kids improve during 'live fire.' At the age of 66, I no longer have children that wrestle. I do however hope that my 1-year-old grandson will have the good fortune to have a coach like Josh Brewer in his future, helping to develop the important life skills that you take from interscholastic sports.

Reporting Official: Scot Fure

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Basketball

Wabeno/Laona @ Florence
Jan. 26, 2023

We had the pleasure of working this game. I want to point out that the players played hard with no complaining, great manners and super sportsmanship. The coaches were fantastic and positive toward their kids on both teams. I especially wanted to point out the Florence student section that cheered all night long and did it in a positive manner. It was refreshing to see some super sportsmanship for the kids. They are the best bunch we saw all year. The players from Laona/Wabeno were just as polite and also showed outstanding sportsmanship. A job well done. Sportsmanship is definitely pushed in the Northern Lakes Conference.

Reporting Official: Michael Lyons

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

Palmyra-Eagle @ Williams Bay
Jan. 6, 2023

Compliments to Coach Mike Dowden of Williams Bay, and Coach Brad Czeshinski of Palymra-Eagle for the outstanding sportsmanship displayed by both girls varsity basketball teams. Throughout the close four-point game, everyone (players, bench personnel, and coaches) were exemplary in their behavior! Those games are simply fun to officiate! Even a late foul by one of the William's Bay players was simply (and respectfully) acknowledged without any hint of resentment. Everyone simply played hard with no arguments. And kudos to Williams Bay for adding the public address announcement acknowledging the referees! I believe that helps sway the atmosphere in a positive way! You're truly raising next-level leaders!

Reporting Official: Dan Cypcar

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Basketball

D.C. Everest @ Marshfield
Dec. 16, 2022

We had the privilege of officiating a girls' varsity basketball game at Marshfield against DC Everest. Right from the start at the captains' meeting, both teams showed great gratitude towards each other. During the game the players played, the coaches coached and the fans cheered on their teams in very positive manner. When there were calls made, both players and coaches respectfully asked us and thank us for helping coach their players. The calls would prevent them from making the same mistakes in the future. One of the captains from D.C. Everest saw I was talking to one of her team members. At halftime, she came up to me and asked if there was anything she and her team needed to clean up. After halftime, the player in question came up and said sorry for her actions. Later in the game during a dead ball, I told that team captain from D.C. Everest that was great leadership and that it will get her far in life being that type of positive person. It was a great night and this is the reason why our crew loves officiating the game. Hopefully this will get passed along to other schools and will continue to see more of this positive behavior in the future.

Reporting Official: Matt Guse