Fall Sportsmanship Award Winners Announced!

The WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2016 Fall State Championships have been announced!

The winners of the State Team Tournament Sportsmanship Awards are Middleton in boys volleyball, Amherst in football, Seneca in girls volleyball, Rice Lake in boys soccer and Homestead in girls team tennis.

Boys Volleyball- Middleton

Middleton was determined to have displayed the best sportsmanship worthy of receiving the honor at the State Boys Volleyball Tournament. It is the second time the program has earned the honor in boys volleyball and the fifth time the school and community have been awarded overall. The Cardinals were recognized in boys volleyball in 2009, boys tennis in 2007 and 2009, and in girls tennis in 2013. They lost 23-25, 27-25, 17-25, 20-25 in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Catholic Memorial. Honorable mention for the award was extended to Catholic Memorial.

Football – Amherst

Amherst was selected for its sportsmanship following the program’s second straight Division 5 football championship. It is the first time the school has been recognized for its sportsmanship. The Falcons defeated Cedar Grove-Belgium 38-35 on a field goal in the waning moments of the Division 5 final. Receiving honorable mention were Brookfield East, Darlington, Edgar and Regis.

Girls Volleyball – Seneca

Seneca earned its second sportsmanship recognition in girls volleyball with its positive support for the Indians at the State Girls Volleyball Tournament. They also claimed the award back in 1998. Seneca advanced to State for the seventh time before dropping a 20-25, 10-25, 6-25 decision to eventual champion Newman Catholic in the Division 4 semifinals. Honorable mention for the award went to Aquinas, Athens, Divine Savior Holy Angels and Howards Grove.

Boys Soccer – Rice Lake

Rice Lake is the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award in boys soccer for the second straight season. It marks the third time the school has been bestowed the honor overall, also winning the award in boys hockey in 2009. The Warriors were eliminated from title contention following a 4-3 shootout with Mount Horeb after the two teams tied 1-1 at the end of two overtime periods. Middleton, New Richmond, Phillips, Sheboygan Christian/Lutheran and Waukesha West received honorable mention for the award.

Girls Tennis – Homestead

Homestead is the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award in girls team tennis, which marks the first time the Highlanders have received the award in girls tennis, and it’s the second time the they have won the award overall, also receiving recognition in boys tennis in 2010. Homestead won its sixth State girls team tennis championship in school history by defeating Neenah 4-3 in the Division 1 title match. Pacelli received honorable mention recognition.

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.