STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, in partnership with Rural Mutual Insurance Company, has selected the team Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2015 Spring and Summer State Team Tournaments.

The winners of the prestigious award are Watertown in softball, Menomonee Falls in girls soccer, Marquette in boys tennis, Rio in spring baseball and Pewaukee in summer baseball.

Watertown and its fan base demonstrated sportsmanship and perseverance with weather delays, and changes in the schedule and game locations during the State Softball Tournament. The Goslings finished runner-up following a 3-0 loss to Westosha Central in the Division 1 State final. They advanced to the title game with a five-inning, 16-2 victory over defending champion Kimberly in the quarterfinals and a 13-7 win over DeForest in the semifinals. It is the second time the Goslings have been honored for its sportsmanship. They were also recognized in spring baseball in 1999. Honorable mention for the award was extended to Bay Port, DeForest, Germantown, La Crosse Logan, Laconia, Lomira, Kenosha Bradford, McDonell Central and Pacelli.

It is the second time during the 2014-15 school year that Menomonee Falls has been named the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award. The Indians are selected as the recipients of the honor in girls soccer after receiving the same award in boys soccer last fall, which accounts for the school’s overall total. They qualified for the State Tournament for the first time in girls soccer, advancing to the semifinals before being ousted from title contention with a 4-3 loss to eventual champion D.C. Everest in the semifinals. Ashland, Aquinas, Catholic Memorial, Mount Horeb, New Holstein and Notre Dame received honorable mention for the award.

Rio is the recipient of the Rural Mutual Insurance/WIAA Sportsmanship Award for the first time following its first-ever trip to the State Spring Baseball Tournament. The Vikings captured the Division 4 championship by edging Ithaca 1-0 in the title game. They advanced to the championship with a 10-5 decision over Spring Valley in the semifinals. Schools receiving honorable mention included Aquinas, Ithaca, Kimberly, Rib Lake, River Falls and West Salem.

Marquette earned the Sportsmanship Award at the State Boys Team Tennis Tournament. It’s the second time the Hilltoppers have earned the award in tennis, and it’s the seventh time overall. They also received the recognition in boys tennis in 2008. Their other five awards came in boys volleyball in 2002, 2008, 2010 and 2012, and in summer baseball in 2006. They won their 10th State title in boys team tennis by downing Middleton 5-2 in the Division 1 championship match. The Hilltoppers beat Neenah 6-1 in the quarterfinals and defending champion Brookfield East 5-2 in the semifinals to advance to the title match. Ashwaubenon received honorable mention for the award in boys tennis.

It was the first time Pewaukee has been selected for the Sportsmanship Award in any sport. The Pirates advanced to the State Tournament for the first time since 1971, and the sportsmanship exhibited by the team, coaches and fan base during their 8-3 loss to eventual champion Menomonee Falls in the semifinals earned them the selection. Franklin and Menomonee Falls received honorable mention.

The WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school and community in each of the State team tournaments. The award winners are determined by the conduct and sportsmanship displayed by athletes, coaches, cheer and support groups, mascots, bands and spectators. Additional consideration is given for the effort of school administrators and chaperones to insure support for their teams are positive and that the highest ideals of sportsmanship are upheld. Award winners receive a plaque and banner in recognition of the honor. Schools receiving honorable mention are acknowledged with a certificate of recognition.

The selection process includes evaluations from contest officials, tournament management, as well as, security personnel, crowd control and ushers, and WIAA staff members.