Sports Report PLUS

Waupaca @ Amherst
Sept. 27, 2019

Amherst AD Shawn Groshek and the Amherst students deserve a big shout-out. Shawn welcomed us and made sure we had everything we needed, but the students stole the show. Throughout both the varsity and JV games that night, the students were incredibly supportive, appropriately loud, and also very funny! Their cheers and shouts had me in stitches all night long and it made a long evening very enjoyable and entertaining. Bravo to Amherst for creating such a positive and energetic atmosphere!

Reporting Official: Matt Miles

Northland Pines @ Rhinelander
Sept. 26, 2019

I wanted to compliment both teams on a well-contested conference rematch. There was no trash talking, little grumbling about calls, no challenges/tackles intended to intimidate opponents...just soccer. One particular occurrence stood out during the final five minutes of play, with the score 0-0 and both teams pressing very hard to get the potential game winning score. Pines striker #10 Liam Oas was fed a through ball and was attempting to break on goal; defended by Rhinelander #4 Hugh Wiese and #2 Harrison Shiners. The Rhinelander keeper #1 Gavin Osterman came off his line to defend as well, the keeper secured the loose ball as the four players collided and fell to the ground. These situations - late in the game - can be fraught with emotion, intensity and reaction. Instead I witnessed players checking in with each other to make sure they were "OK"; complimenting each other with a "good play" and helping each other get back on their feet and getting "on" with the game at hand. It was so refreshing to see that. Best of luck to both teams in the remaining season.

Reporting Official:  Rob Hom

Tomah @ Sparta
Sept. 13, 2019

The 114th rivalry football game between Sparta and Tomah exhibited exceptional leadership by Coach Dow (Sparta) and Coach Plueger( Tomah). The community and students filled the stands and end zones. Great sportsmanship was exhibited by players, coaches, fans, sideline staff and ball boys. Players were assisting the opponent after tackles, compliments exchanged with great runs/catches and few flags. The atmosphere was dynamic with positive cheering by students and fans. It was a football games that encouraged our first-year official with its quality of play, coaches, fans and excitement. The game, host school , coaches, players and fans were excellent examples on how academics, athletics, armed forces and community create a positive experience for all.

Reporting Official:  Daniel Braund