We believe there’s something more important than just winning or losing a tournament. We believe that the team, school, and fans who support their athletes with dignity and class are the true champions. That’s why we’ve proudly sponsored the WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award for over 55 years.
We would like to congratulate the Brillion Lions on being this year’s recipient of the Boys Basketball Sportsmanship Award.
When talking with Head Coach, Chad Shimek, we asked him what this award meant to him as a coach, the team, and the community along with how they teach their athletes about sportsmanship.
Winning the sportsmanship award means a great deal to me as a coach. It reminds me how fortunate I am to be a part of a great school and community. There are many components that make up sportsmanship and many individuals past and present have had an impact on Brillion winning this award. I feel a responsibility to continue to expect the most out of our players and fans in regard to sportsmanship.
As a team, we have certain core values and absolutes that we hold our players accountable to anytime we come together as a team. Being in the state tournament gave us another opportunity to treat all people we encountered with respect and show our gratitude to them. Winning and losing is part of the game but building relationships and treating all people you meet with respect are things that will stay with you forever. I feel the best part of the sportsmanship award is that it reflects our entire community. It is an award that truly can be shared with everyone in our community because we all had a part in it. Our fans, student section, and pep band have been a positive influence on our team and community all season.
We are very simple in our approach to sportsmanship. We talk about what our absolutes are as a player and team. That entails how we treat officials, opponents, school personnel, and facilities. We talk about how we can have a positive impact on others throughout the season. This really is the most important characteristic that we can have as a team because it is something we can control and impacts others.
Coach Shimek has been coaching for 22 years in the Brillion School District within the Basketball program; the last 8 years have been at the varsity level. He also went on to comment, “My favorite part of coaching is being a part of a larger program. I enjoy working with youth, coaches, and parents in building a program we can all take pride in.” said Shimek
Congratulations again on a great season and winning the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award. This is a great achievement for the Brillion community.
