Here are a few “Sportsmanship Shout Outs” submitted by officials in the beginning of the 2017-2018 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) High School Basketball Season:
- Madison Country Day School @ Argyle
Nov. 21, 2017We witnessed some of the best sportsmanship we have seen. Both coaches Kurt Ritschard (
- Argyle) and Tyson Rudd (Madison Country Day School) were busy coaching their teams and when we made calls, they were more concerned about coaching the girls and correcting the errors committed. As the game proceeded, Coach Rudd spent a lot of time being extremely positive with his team and working on the positive aspects of their play. He was also very complimentary of the opponents play. At one point he wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. After the game both teams made it a point to thank us for working their game and gave us each a high five or fist bump as they walked by. It was nice to see the players from both teams in good spirits and friendly after a contest.Reporting Official: Kevin Runde
- Young Coggs @ Milwaukee Marshall
Nov. 28, 2017Jontae Peterson of Young Coggs displayed a calming present for his team. He kept talking to teammates to stay calm and focus when the game was not going their way. He led by example when calls were called against him. He asked questions respectfully. He talked to his teammates that appeared upset and kept them focused on the task at hand. Peterson displayed great sportsmanship throughout the game such as handing the ball to officials when applicable and not arguing calls that went against his team. For those aforementioned reasons, I feel he needs to be recognized for displaying excellent sportsmanship.Reporting Official: Barney Hall
- Beaver Dam @ DeForest
Nov. 30, 2017Our crew had the privilege to observe outstanding sportsmanship displayed by both teams during the game. Regardless of score, both teams played incredibly hard, showed great respect for one another, and represented both of their programs with a ton of class. This contest stood out to our crew because of the outstanding character displayed by Head Coach Jerry Schwenn (DeForest), Head Coach Tim Chase (Beaver Dam), and all of their assistants, captains and players. When a player went down, others helped them back up. When the ball went out of bounds, players got it for the officials. Coaches coached, players played, and officials officiated. Thank you all for being first-class role models and for providing us with such a positive officiating experience. We really appreciate it!Reporting Official: Doug Stampfli
- Wausaukee @ Green Bay West
Nov. 30, 2017I just wanted to say how wonderful it was to see the sportsmanship and effort of the two teams in this game. It was a tight and enjoyable game to be a part of. The girls played hard and the coaches stayed focused on their teams. The end of the game was especially great with the fans cheering and making the gym loud right to the end. There was NO negative sportsmanship. Well done!Reporting Official: Michael Lyons
- Omro @ Randolph
Dec. 2, 2017After head coach Tyler Fischer (Randolph) gave a wonderful tribute speech about former Randolph standout Greg Stiemsma’s career and accomplishments, both teams gathered together at mid-court in a terrific display of sportsmanship and mutual respect while taking a picture with Steimsma. Coach Fischer and Head Coach Tyler Goss (Omro) were very professional throughout the contest and both teams played hard. A special thanks to Randolph AD Kevin Knudson and his staff for the wonderful hospitality. It was a really fun game to officiate and a great day of basketball between two classy programs!Reporting Official: Kirk Wieland
Visit the official WIAA website to see more sportsmanship shout outs like these on their Sports Plus Report!
Find out how your team can win the WIAA Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award!
