Sportsmanship Plus

Winnebago Lutheran @ Laconia
May 11, 2026

Here are three young men who appreciate and share positive sportsmanship with others:  Drake Nitz of Laconia along with Mason & Bode Faust of Winnebago Lutheran Academy.  Thank you for supporting players from the other team by picking up their bats and offering them a kind word, adding some funny commentary, and showing hustle chasing foul balls when it wasn’t asked of you.  Your kind gestures were noticed by the umpires and greatly appreciated. Both schools’ district administrators should be proud of their respectful student-athletes and coaches.  Keep up the great work and enjoy the balance of the season!

Reporting Official:  Brent Thompson

Bay Port @ Green Bay Preble
May 7, 2026

I wanted to recognize two student-athletes that displayed great sportsmanship during a recent baseball contest.  Art Adams of Bay Port and Marco Aregoni of Green Bay Preble displayed great leadership.  The way that they interacted with their teammates and their opponents in positive ways was outstanding.  Their verbal positivity and hustle made it delightful to work a spring baseball game during a chilly night.

Reporting Official:  Phil Punzel  

Oshkosh West @ Appleton North
May 8, 2026

All players, coaches, and fans were fantastic. The sportsmanship showed by everyone involved was exemplary.  We had a very close game between the two teams and everyone still kept their cool and showed why sportsmanship is so important to high school sports. It all starts from the top so I commend both coaches for showing the players exactly what to do and how to act in these close games. Win with humility and lose with respect. Great game, great coaches, great players, great fans, great environment, everything was fantastic.

Reporting Official:  Rick Roedell

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 Hartmann 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, in cooperation with Rural Mutual Insurance Company, has selected the team Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2025 fall State Tournaments. 

The recipients of the awards are Cochrane-Fountain City in football, McFarland in boys’ soccer, Watertown Luther Prep in girls’ volleyball and Altoona in girls’ team tennis. 

The WIAA/Rural Insurance Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school program and community–or communities in the case of cooperative programs–in each of the State team tournaments that demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship. 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 ensure support for their teams are positive and that the highest ideals of sportsmanship are demonstrated. 

Cochrane-Fountain City was chosen for the award with its display of outstanding sportsmanship at the State Football Finals, which was held at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., on Nov. 20-21. The Pirates earn the school’s third Sportsmanship Award. Cochrane-Fountain City is the recipient of the award in gymnastics in 2002 and in boys’ basketball in 2014. The Pirates finished runner-up in Division 7 after falling to Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic in the program’s first appearance in the championship game. Participants in the 8-player and 11-player finals receiving honorable mention are Darlington, Gilman, Grafton and McDonell Central Catholic.

McFarland receives the award in boys’ soccer with its display of enthusiasm and sportsmanship on the field and in the stands during the State Boys Soccer Tournament at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee on Nov. 6-8. The Spartans, the #3 seed, fell 1-0 to #2 seed Notre Dame in their Division 3 semifinal contest. They advanced to the State Tournament for the sixth time in program history.  It’s the fourth time McFarland has earned the Sportsmanship Award and the second time for boys’ soccer. The first came in 2018. The other two recognitions came in girls’ soccer in 2007 and in girls’ volleyball in 2021. Arcadia, Hudson, Madison West and Marquette received honorable mention.

Watertown Luther Prep is the recipient of the award for the State Girls Volleyball Tournament, which was held at the Resch Center in Green Bay on Nov. 5-8. The Phoenix earn the school’s first Sportsmanship Award in any sport. Luther Prep’s stellar sportsmanship was showcased during a 25-17, 25-20, 25-13 sweep over Luther in the Division 3 semifinal and its 20-25, 26-24, 23-25, 21-25 loss to Manitowoc Lutheran in the championship game. Schools receiving honorable mention were Barron, Blair-Taylor, Florence, Heritage Christian, Luther, Luxemburg-Casco, Montello and Newman Catholic. 

Altoona is the winner of the award for its display of sportsmanship at the State Girls Team Tennis Tournament held Oct. 24-25 at Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison. It’s the third time the Railroaders have been awarded the honor in girls’ tennis, and it’s the fourth time they have received the recognition overall. The previous selections were in girls’ tennis in 2001 and 2023, and in girls’ volleyball in 2015. In October, the Railroaders finished State runner-up after defeating St. Mary Catholic 4-3 in their Division 2 semifinal match before falling 6-1 to Shorewood in the championship match.

Award winners receive a trophy and banner in recognition of the honor. Schools receiving honorable mention are acknowledged with a certificate of recognition. The selection process includes contributions and evaluations from contest officials, tournament management, police and security personnel, crowd control and ushers, WIAA staff members, and area hotels and restaurants on occasion. 

The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a private, voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 515 senior high schools and 30 junior high/middle level schools in its membership. For more information, please contact the WIAA office at (715) 344-8580.

# WIAA #

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, in partnership with Rural Mutual Insurance Company, has selected the team Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2025 Spring State Team Tournaments.

The winners of the prestigious award are Brookfield Central in girls soccer, Fall Creek in softball, Johnson Creek in baseball, and Neenah in boys tennis.

Brookfield Central received positive evaluations for the sportsmanship displayed by players, coaches and spectators at the State Girls Soccer Tournament held at Southeast Sales Powersports Stadium at Uihlein Soccer Park on June 19-21. It’s the fourth time the Lancers have been bestowed the honor overall and the first time in girls soccer. They also received sportsmanship awards for boys tennis in 2023 and 2005, and they have the distinction of being the first-ever award recipient with their selection for boys basketball in 1965. The second-seeded Lancers captured the Division 2 title with a 2-1 victory over Pewaukee in the championship game after defeating Sauk Prairie 3-0 in the semifinals. The schools and communities receiving honorable mention include Kimberly, Sauk Prairie and Washburn.

The sportsmanship displayed by Fall Creek at the State Softball Tournament at Goodman Softball Complex  on June 11-14 led to its selection as the WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award recipient for the first time in softball and for the fourth time overall. The Crickets prior three selections were all for girls basketball, including 2021, 1994 and 1986. As the top seed in Division 3, they finished runner-up following an 11-5 loss to second-seeded Poynette in the championship game. The Crickets advanced from the semifinals with a 6-4 win over Valders. Honorable mention for the award was extended to Cedarburg, D.C. Everest, Hamilton, Lakeland, McDonell Catholic, New Richmond, Poynette, Sun Prairie East, Thorp and Watertown.

Johnson Creek demonstrated respectful and positive team and spectator support in winning the Division 4 championship at the State Baseball Tournament held at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on June 16-19. It’s the first time the Bluejays have been named as the recipient of the award. As the second seed, they shutout top-seeded Pacelli 5-0 in the championship game after downing #3-seeded Pittsville 6-2 in the semifinals. Honorable mention for the award was given to Aquinas, Badger, Barron, Edgar, Fennimore, Hudson, Pittsville, Reedsburg and Sun Prairie East. 

Neenah was selected as the award recipient after the Rockets advanced to semifinals of the State Boys Team Tennis Tournament conducted at Nielsen Tennis Stadium on June 16-19. It’s the 12th time in Neenah has been honored with the award and the fifth time in boys tennis. The Rockets have also received the recognition in boys tennis in 2002, 2006, 2016 and 2017; girls tennis in 2000, 2015 and 2021;  girls soccer in 2001; and in boys basketball in 1969, 1975 and 1988.  As the #4 seed, the Rockets defeated Marquette 4-3  in the Division 1 quarterfinals before falling to top-seed, and eventual champion, Brookfield Central 6-1 in the semifinals. Altoona received honorable mention for the award.

The WIAA/Rural Insurance Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school program and community–or communities in the case of cooperative programs–that demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship in WIAA team tournaments. 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 ensure support for their teams is positive and showcases the highest ideals of sportsmanship.

The selection process includes evaluations from contest officials, tournament management, as well as, security personnel, crowd control and ushers, and WIAA staff members. Rural Mutual Insurance began sponsoring the Sportsmanship Award program back in 1965.

The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a private, voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 514 senior high schools and 36 junior high/middle level schools in its membership.

#WIAA#
 

Marinette @ Oconto Falls
April 15, 2025

The game itself was more than just a contest—it was a celebration of sportsmanship. Both teams came in well-coached, prepared and focused, but what stood out most was the mutual respect on display. Players helped each other with bats on foul balls and after the play ended. Coaches exchanged nods of appreciation, and the dugouts cheered not just for their own teammates, but for great plays on either side. Coach Steve Kurek from Oconto Falls and coach Ken Kacalo of Marinette and their schools and communities should be proud of these ladies on the field. There is one player I would like to spotlight who’s the first to greet you with a grin and the last to leave the field. It’s not just what she says, it’s how she carries herself. Whether she’s backing up a bad throw during warmups or jogging to the mound for a quick pep talk, she does it all with joy. Amelia Danielczak from Oconto Falls shows up with the same unshakable energy and ever-present smile during warm-ups until the teams leave the field of play at the end of the game. She reminds us that how you play the game matters just as much if not more than the final score. In a game that showcased not only skill but character, Danielczak reminded everyone that leadership isn’t just about calling pitches or making plays—it’s about lifting others up, staying positive, and playing with heart.

Reporting Official:  Jim Kostura

Waukesha West @ Mukwonago
April 14, 2025

I want to recognize Waukesha West varsity softball for being an absolute joy to umpire these young women.  They are the definition of a true team, collaborating and cheering for each other, yelling and screaming positive cheers for their fellow teammates, celebrating teammates success, and recognizing when teammates may need to be picked up or teammates who may even be injured. This team is a blast to umpire. They are personable, and they are professional. Josh Kraner is doing a great job coaching these young women as his assistant coach. Special recognition to Kaiya Kraner, Paige Kahle, Payton Hisel and Emma Aguilera.  These girls are great and a true representation of young athletes and how to play the game the right way. I look forward to more of their games in the future and wish them well as they advance through the 2025 season.

Reporting Official: John Steffen

Kaukauna at Hortonville
April 10, 2025

It is wonderful to see student athletes exhibit positive acts of sportsmanship before, during and after a varsity baseball game.  Kaukauna’s Isaac Maas and Ryker Donnermeyer, as well as Hortonville’s Turner Kuhnke and Rashed Kastner, exemplify what it means to be great sportsman and leaders of a team.  Keith and I wanted to congratulate these young men for this much appreciated display of showmanship and positive attitude. Thank you to Coach Jenkins and Coach Yeager for your positive and upbeat leadership by example, it was noticed by many.

Reporting Official:  Brent Thompson

Ozaukee @ Wayland Academy
April 12, 2025

I was AR2, which at Wayland is on the fans' side. Throughout the entire game, absolutely everyone from both Ozaukee and Wayland, classmates, parents through grandparents were positive 100 percent of the time, not even one mildly negative comment. It was a "wow" afternoon.

Reporting Official:  Tom Konecny

Manawa at Wittenberg-Birnamwood
April 10, 2025 

The sportsmanship displayed by coaches, players and fans was refreshing. I have worked for both of these schools in the past, their behavior was not unique to this game. They choose to treat officials, opponents and each other with respect. They learn this from coaches who understand that there is more to be learned from high school sports than just the game. It was a very well-played, competitive game. When we were done, all involved shook hands with both umpires. That doesn't always happen, but it sure feels and looks good when it does. Both teams and schools should be very proud of themselves. 

Reporting Official:  Gary Hagberg