Sportsmanship - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

Sportsmanship PLUS - Softball

Shiocton @ Bonduel
May 4, 2026

The communities of Shiocton and Bonduel should be proud of the sportsmanship displayed by the student athletes, coaches, and parents connected to each school's softball programs. Dan and I had a blast officiating the contest between these two schools. Positive sportsmanship and hustle were displayed by both teams. A special note of thanks to Ella Griesbach from Shiocton and Marlie Houtnom of Bonduel for their words of positive encouragement towards their teammates. I would also like to thank the support staff at Bonduel for their work in getting the field ready to play.

Reporting Official: Phil Punzel

Sportsmanship PLUS - Baseball

Marinette @ Little Chute
April 28, 2026

Both the Little Chute and Marinette school administrators should be very proud of their varsity baseball programs, especially the players, for their display of positive sportsmanship during a recent contest. Jaden Hermsen and Leighton DeBruin of Little Chute, and Cooper Smith and Miles “Rufus” Rutherford of Marinette were obvious leaders of their teams, especially in showing respect for opponents, as well as helping retrieve bats and foul balls during the contest. They offered many encouraging words to all involved. The players of both teams were noticeably appreciative of their coaches, teammates and umpires. Great job guys and best of luck the rest of the season!

Reporting Official: Brent Thompson

Sportsmanship PLUS - Baseball

St. Mary Catholic JV @ Appleton West JV
April 24, 2026

The St. Mary Catholic catcher, #8 demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship. I was the plate umpire for tonight's game and witnessed firsthand how more players should carry themselves on the field. A few examples I saw tonight. Even when the game was close witha a 1-2 run difference and Appleton West had a big hit, this young man would congratulate this opponents on a nice hit or a good play. He also, on two occasions encouraged another young man from Appleton West. It was very clear the player from Appleton West had not played much baseball before and struck out twice at the plate. The catcher helped him realize he was out, but at the same time used encouraging words about the plate appearance. It was very refreshing to see this kind of sportsmanship, he was quite the example for his school and others who play his position and participate in high school sports.

Reporting Official: Jason Podgorski

Sportsmanship PLUS - Softball

Algoma @ Peshtigo
April 11, 2026

I am submitting this Sportsmanship Plus for Natalie Ray (#11), catcher for Algoma High School’s softball team. Today I witnessed exceptional sportsmanship and leadership from Natalie. She consistently handled every pitch and chased down foul balls, all while maintaining a warm, positive demeanor and a smile throughout the game. She hustled throughout the game, including between innings. She encouraged teammates – calling support to her pitcher after difficult sequences—and also demonstrated respect for opponents. After opposing batters hit foul balls or reached base, Miss Ray retrieved and returned bats promptly and courteously to the next batter. She openly acknowledged good plays by both her team and the Peshtigo players, never questioned any ball or strike calls, and naturally said "thank you" whenever I handed her a ball after the previous one went out of play. Natalie’s calm, positive presence and her actions on and off the field exemplify the character the Sportsmanship Plus program recognizes. My partner Tom Mailand and I strongly endorse her for this recognition.

Reporting Official: Jim Kostura

Sportsmanship PLUS - Baseball

Shorewood @ Catholic Memorial
April 11, 2026

What an incredible back-and-forth game. What great sportsmanship on both sides. I want to point out two young men that I worked with in the game for Catholic Memorial. That would be first baseman Mike Haddon and catcher Chase Freschi. Chase was actually hit in the head with a pitch in the game and dinged up by a foul ball but he kept on playing with a smile on his face. They are well-coached and have excellent teammates that support them. As for Shorewood, catcher Yanni Douros has extreme toughness and outstanding character as well. He was a great teammate, and he also kept me protected as a home plate umpire. There were others on the team that had great sportsmanship as well throughout the game. Shorewood was also well-coached by the head coach and assistant coaches. Thank you for making high school baseball fun to umpire. John Steffens, baseball home plate official.

Reporting Official: John Steffens

Sportsmanship PLUS - Girls Soccer

Kettle Moraine @ Catholic Memorial
April 21, 2026

In highly competitive game, Catholic Memorial and Kettle Moraine High Schools were exactly what a referee hopes for. When a foul call or throw-in went to the opponent, both teams responded properly. When goals were scored and celebrated, both teams responded properly and with sportsmanship. As great as the players were, both head coaches, Kaitlyn Kapitan from Kettle Moraine and Andreas Davi from Catholic Memorial, were outstanding mentors to their players. This game really showed a great deal of the sportsmanship you hope for at all levels.

Reporting Official: Jim McNamara

Sportsmanship PLUS - Baseball

Kaukauna @ Oshkosh West
April 9, 2026

How wonderful it is to see student athletes exhibit positive acts of sportsmanship before, during and aftera varsity baseball game. Kaukauna’s Bryce Urban & Bron Schaefer, as well as Oshkosh West’s Evan Johnson & Wyatt Martin, exemplify what it means to be great sportsman and leaders of their teams. We wanted to congratulate these young men for this much appreciated display of showmanship and positive attitude. Thank you to Coach Jenkins and Coach Atwood for your positive leadership by example during the game, it was noticed by many.

Reporting Official: Brent Thompson

Sportsmanship PLUS - Softball

River Valley @ Richland Center
April 9, 2026

I would like to take a moment to recognize Michelle Kraemer, assistant softball coach for River Valley High School. At all times during the game, Coach Kraemer was always praising, encouraging, “good swing” on batters striking out, or “great play” when a fielder would make a good play on a ball. Always coaching, always upbeat, whether sitting in the dugout when her team was on defense or coaching first base when her team was at bat. Her energy rubbed off on every player on the team. Someone once said, “Outstanding coaches teach their players, "Good sports win with humility, lose with grace and do both with dignity". It takes the effort of everyone every day to ensure that sportsmanship remains one of the top priorities. Coach Kraemer is the epitome and roll model for all coaches in the State of Wisconsin.

Reporting Official: Curt Ladwig

Sportsmanship PLUS - Baseball

Appleton North @ Oshkosh West
April 9, 2026

We would like to thank the coaching staffs of Oshkosh West and Appleton North for a great experience. Coach Atwood and Coach Mave, the manner in which you lead your program is top notch. Brennan Otto from Appleton North and Evan Johnson from Oshkosh West, your positive attitude and words of encouragement towards your teammates were noticed. Also a huge thank you to the maintenance staff at Oshkosh West for having the diamond in great condition for play.

Reporting Official: Phil Punzel

Sportsmanship PLUS - Softball

Elcho @ Marion
April 7, 2026

The varsity softball game demonstrated great sportsmanship by both players and coaches. Players from both teams hustled on and off the field and maintained a positive attitude throughout the game. Teammates were supportive and consistently encouraged one another with positive cheering. Coaches from both sides set a strong example with respectful communication and leadership. A special thank you to the Marion Booster Club for providing a gift to the game officials, which was greatly appreciated and reflects the community’s support for high school athletics.

Reporting Official: Matt Peterson