The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has chosen the recipients of the team Sportsmanship Awards for the 2025 winter State Tournaments.
The winners of the prestigious Sportsmanship Award are Holmen in team wrestling, West Salem Co-op in gymnastics, Sun Prairie West Co-op in girls hockey, Amery Co-op in boys hockey, Owen-Withee in girls basketball and Wausau East in boys basketball.
Following its appearance in the State Team Wrestling Tournament, Holmen was named as the recipient for its sportsmanship efforts by coaches, competitors and fans. The Vikings advanced to the Division 1 semifinals with a 57-18 victory over Muskego in the quarterfinals before falling to eventual champion Kaukauna, 40-22, in their semifinal match. It’s the second time the Vikings have won the award in team wrestling, having earned the honor in 2021. It’s the Vikings’ fourth award overall. They received the honor in softball in 1999 and gymnastics in 2007. Honorable mention for the award was extended to Oostburg and St. Croix Falls.
The sportsmanship evaluations and staff observations at the State Gymnastics Championships led to the selection of the West Salem/Aquinas/Bangor co-op as the Sportsmanship Award winner for 2025. The co-op displayed positive enthusiasm and finished eighth in Division 1 at the team championships. It’s the first time the co-op has been bestowed the honor. Also receiving consideration for the award were West Bend East and Chippewa Fall/McDonell Catholic.
The WIAA Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school and community in each of the State team tournaments that exhibits exemplary sportsmanship. The award recipients are determined by the 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 showcased.
The selection process includes contributions and evaluations from contest officials, tournament management, police and security personnel, crowd control and ushers, WIAA staff members, area hotels and restaurants.
