2016-2017 Good Sport Reports
Good Sport Report Form
This form may be filled out on your computer BEFORE printing. If the form does not open properly in your browser, right-click the link and choose 'Save link as...'/'Save target as...' to save the file to your computer, then open the saved file directly.
PALATINE ST. THOMAS' ALLI GERDES PUTS FELLOW ATHLETE FIRST
May 14, 2017 - Submitted by Mendota Holy Cross AD Heather Friedlein
Yesterday at the [Class A] state track meet, we had an 8th grade girl running in the 200M Dash. Her leg gave out before she could make it to the finish line and she fell just short. However, Alli Gerdes, from Palatine St. Thomas, who was two lanes over, stopped in the middle of her race to go help our girl. She checked on her, helped her up, and they crossed the finish line together. Alli displayed such a beautiful act of sportsmanship giving up her race to help her fellow competitor. Mendota Holy Cross will never forget her act of kindness!
PEORIA LIMESTONE WALTERS RECOGNIZED FOR HONESTY DURING SCHOLASTIC BOWL REGIONALS
April 28, 2017 - Submitted by Scholastic Bowl Moderator Kayla Lykins
Recently I was the moderator for a Scholastic Bowl Regional Tournament where I witnessed honesty and amazing sportsmanship. A student from Bartonville answered a question with, what I thought, the incorrect answer because I thought he said, "Natalie Curie" instead of "Marie Curie." A student from Limestone Walters rang in and answered, "Marie Curie," the correct answer so I awarded Limestone Walters ten points. The boy from Bartonville replies, "That's what I said." His coach also says, "That's what he said." I asked the other adults at the head table with me and none could decide if that is what he really said or not. We were going to do a different question to keep it fair; however, a player from Limestone Walters, Cameron Bell, says, "I do think he said Marie Curie." The coach from Limestone Walters also says, "I do think he said the correct answer." We were able to give Bartonville the ten points thanks to honestly and amazing sportsmanship shown from Limestone Walters. Even during an important tournament, they were willing to tell the truth and do the right thing. Happy to report that Limestone Walters went on to win the entire tournament!
EL PASO-GRIDLEY RECEIVES SECOND GOOD SPORT DESIGNATION FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR
April 25, 2017 - Submitted by Sparland Midland AD Kristin Mangrich
During our LTC track meet, we had an athlete get injured and taken by ambulance. After he was taken, an El Paso-Gridley student started a prayer circle for our student. It touched our coaches, track athletes, parents, and Midland community. We cannot thank them enough for their thoughtfulness and sportsmanship during a scary time for our school and community. The El Paso-Gridley athletic irector/principal also reached out to me in an email withc oncern and thoughts for our injured athlete.
COACH ALERTS HOST SCHOOL TO ERROR IN SCORING AT COUNTY TRACK MEET
April 25, 2017 - Submitted by Girard North Mac AD John Downs
Report from Girard North Mac track coach - After reviewing all results from last night's county meet, I noticed that Staunton 8th grade girls had one more point than our girls, a score of 89-88 Staunton. I have gone over the numbers several times myself and unless I am missing something and [the posted results are] wrong, we were given the championship award by mistake. It seems that Staunton should be the 8th grade girls champions. Please review the data and see if I am mistaken and let me know how you would like me to remedy the situation.
SHOUT-OUT FOR MINOOKA'S THOUGHTFULNESS TOWARD OTTAWA'S TORNADO VICTIMS
March 9, 2017 - Submitted by Ottawa Shepherd Volleyball Coach Callie Schmidt
The Ottawa Shepherd volleyball teams want to give a sportsmanship shout out to the Minooka Junior High School volleyball teams for donating a bus load (literally a bus full) of toiletries, cases of water, diapers and clothing to us to bring back to Ottawa/Naplate for those affected by the tornadoes. We are beyond grateful for this act of kindness!
OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP ON DISPLAY FROM NEOGA JUNIOR HIGH
March 4, 2017 - Submmited by Official Karen Karch
During the contest, coaches and players displayed outstanding sportsmasnhp despite the outcome of the game. After the contest, several fans expressed their appreciation for the job my partner and I did. Overall, Neoga should be commended for the behavior of their players, coaches and fans!
LAKE ZURICH NORTH APPLAUDED BY WRESTLING OFFICIALS
February 13, 2017 - Submitted by Wrestling Official Stan Pasiewicz
On behalf of myself and the other three (Chris, John and John) officials who worked the conference wrestling meet on February 11 at Lake Zurich MS North, we would like to commend [the] community and staff for a job well done. I wish I would have taken the time to offer these sentiments to the families, coaches and participants during the event. We, as officials, recognize the importance of competition (physical and emotional) and sportsmanship, win or lose. We recognized and appreciated the sportsmanship by all the parents, fans, coaches and participants on Saturday. Your staff, AD Kevin Elliot, Principal Todd Jakowitsch, Coaches Keith Anzelmo, Joe Manahan, Dan Kociszewski and the tableworkers, custodial staff and the many volunteers should be commended for the successful day. Congratulations for hosting a wonderful event.
MARSHALL JHS PEP BAND RECOGNIZED BY STATE SERIES HOST
February 11, 2017 - Submitted by Tolono Athletic Director Scott Hamilton
I would like to recognize the Marshall Pep Band for the award. Not only did they do an outstanding job with playing all day long, but their students cleaned the bleachers during the break between the quarter finals and semi finals. The administration and community of Marshall should be very proud of these students.
KEWANEE WETHERSFIELD BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER RECOGNIZED BY OFFICIAL
February 8, 2017 - Submitted by Basketball Official John Griffard
Kewanee Wethersfield's [Colton Quagliano] did something I have never witnessed in a junior high game. With less than a minute left unfortunately we had to call an intentional foul by Kewanee, as we were lining up to shoot the free throws, this player, #5, walked up to the shooter and congratulated him on playing a great game. These two players had been completing against each other all night. I'm sure no one heard or seen this display of sportsmanship but I'm hoping his school will be known this did not go unnoticed! In all my years of officiating at this level I have never seen this at this level. This was a great display of an athlete at this level.
SHELBYVILLE MOULTON VOLLEYBALL RECOGNIZED FOR ACT OF KINDNESS
February 7, 2017 - Submitted by Warrensburg-Latham Athletic Director Craig Olson
WLMS held a Pink Volleyball Game Day to raise funds for cancer awareness and to assist a WLMS parent/family (whose daughter plays volleyball on the WLMS 7th grade team) with their expenses. Shelbyville coaches and players were on board from the start. Without any suggestion from WLMS, the Shelbyville girls' volleyball players asked for paper and made cards for our parent who is going through cancer. They then presented the cards to the parent. It was a wonderful act and very much appreciated.
PIPER CITY TRI-POINT BOYS’ BASKETBALL PLAYER APPLAUDED BY SAUNEMIN AD
February 2, 2017 – Submitted by Saunemin Athletic Director Mike Stoecklin
I wanted to make you aware of an incident that occurred at our 8A Regional Championship game last night between our school and Tri-Point. During a very competitive contest an errant pass went out of bounds right in front of our home bench. If you weren’t paying attention you would not have noticed that the ball had been tipped by a Tri-Point player. Unfortunately for us, at the time, neither official had a real good look at the situation and as they conferred, it looked like they were going to give the ball to Tri-Point since it was a pass that we had made that simply looked like an errant pass. Just before it appeared that the officials were going to point in the other direction, the player that tipped the ball stepped up and told the official near our bench that he had in fact tipped it. The player’s name is Conner Cardenas. Now I’m sure that Conner has been taught like many others that you don’t tip your hand to the officials, because the officials don’t ask….however, it simply appeared that he did what he thought was the right thing. I can’t even remember now what happened when the ball was given back to us and we put it in play, but in that situation it could have been a very important turnover, in a championship setting. I’m not sure that I, personally, would have done that, and I’m not sure that my players would have offered the information given the situation we were in. Conner did, and I thought it was worth mentioning.
EL PASO-GRIDLEY VOLLEYBALL COACH RECOGNIZED BY FORREST PRAIRIE CENTRAL AD
January 31, 2017 - Submitted by Forrest Prairie Central AD Jason Whitfill
Our 8th grade volleyball coach suffered a series of two strokes on 1/28 and has been out of school and coaching since. Our volleyball teams traveled to El Paso-Gridley for matches on 1/31. At the conclusion of the matches, the EPG coach asked our girls to join hers in a circle and prayed for healing for our coach as our coach watched on via Skype. It was a beautiful class act and a great showing of sportsmanship.
PONTIAC ST. MARY'S AND FORREST PRAIRIE CENTRAL JOIN FORCES FOR COMMON GOOD
January 19, 2017 - Submitted by Forrest Prairie Central AD Jason Whitfill
Our 7th grade boys basketball coach lives in nearby Pontiac and his wife teaches and coaches at St. Marys in Pontiac, a common opponent. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, throughout the season leading up to the game on 1/19; both teams, with the lead of a couple parents sold shirts in support of Mrs. Cheek. On game night, the opposing 7th and 8th grade teams wore these shirts as their shooting shirts for the evenings games and at the conclusion of the game, both teams gathered and presented a check to the Cheeks for $1000, the amount they made selling shirts. It was a pretty special evening and a great showing of sportsmanship, teamwork and pride amongst all the players.
MT. OLIVE AND EAST ALTON RALLY TOGETHER
January 19, 2017 - Submitted by Basketball Official Chris Duncan
I wanted to make you aware of a situation that happened at Mt. Olive Junior High School on January 19, 2017. This happened in the 8th grade game. The contest was between the Mt. Olive Bombers and East Alton Bullets. The game was a normal contest. It was respectfully adversarial. Coaches asked their questions. Players displayed some attitude, and fans were rooting for their players. Mt. Olive had a large cheerleading squad and they were decidedly in the corner of their classmates. East Alton did not bring a cheerleading squad. Lines were drawn. Each school represented themselves with respect and integrity. I’m pointing this out now, so that you might understand what happens later. Flashing forward to the 4th quarter - the game is well in hand for the Mt. Olive Bombers. With about 2 minutes left in the game, both coaches empty their bench. I’m notified by the Bullets coach that he has inserted a special needs player into the game, and that they will be trying to get him the ball to score a basket. I’ve been an official now for five years. I work basketball, baseball, softball and football. I work a lot of games, numbering into the thousands. The last two minutes of this game was special, and I am very proud of what I witnessed. Everyone in the gym recognized who this player was, and the atmosphere changed. It was no longer about winning or losing. It wasn’t about the Bombers versus the Bullets. It became a mission to create a moment for this young man. Players and coaches were on the same page. They had to give this kid a shot at making a basket. Every time down the court, he was given room to move, and attempt a shot. He was missing every time. I told you the atmosphere had changed. Every time this young man got the ball, EVERYONE in the gym was rooting for him to shoot. I was having a hard time maintaining my own professionalism. I wanted this kid to score. With 3 seconds left in the game, the Bombers had the ball and they immediately called a time out. They were winning by double digits. As I approached the huddle, all I could hear from the Mt. Olive players and coaches were plans to ensure the ball would be turned over, and subsequently giving the young Bullets player the opportunity to hit the final shot. The ball was inbounded and tapped out of bounds, leaving about 2.4 seconds remaining. The Bullets inbound the ball and pass it to their teammate. He turns and banks it in, as time expired. As I turned to report to the table that the basket was good, I saw something remarkable. Every fan in the bleachers was standing and cheering. Every cheerleader for Mt. Olive was jumping in the air and screaming. Every player and coach for Mt. Olive was standing and cheering. This game which started out as a normal, us versus them contest, had turned into the greatest display of sportsmanship I had seen in five years. I nearly lost it on the court. We are trained to simply run off and get back to our changing area. As I was running off, I held up my hand and the young man who made the basket gave me a high five. I told him, "Great shot, kid!" He was all smiles. The Mt. Olive fans, cheerleaders, players and coaches deserve a note of recognition for their behavior. The East Alton Bullets players and coaches also deserve recognition. They put aside their need to get the ball at the end so their teammate could make this special memory. I’m so thankful that I was able to be a part of this game.
ANONYMOUS RECOGNITION FOR EUREKA
December 15, 2016 - Submitted Anonymously
I just wanted to again reiterate what I told you Saturday about the respect I have for both of you and tell you how much I appreciate you coaching your girls teams "the right way." If you look at some of our scores, [our] teams (especially 8th grade) have been absolutely buried at times this season when 7th graders [don't play] with them. When we came to your place last week you made sure this did not happen, despite it being your team's 8th grade night. And then Saturday in the 7th grade regional, you guys again made sure the game was played with respect, without compromising the integrity of the game, and didn't let the score get out of control as it honestly could've probably been about 70-2 if you wanted it to. For whatever reason, and I think some coaches truly don't know they're doing it, but teams like to pour it on by pressing and fast breaking up 30+ points. But you guys were different. You let your other girls play, and gave our kids at least a chance to play without totally embarrassing themselves. You don't have a clue how much I appreciate that, especially after seeing tears following games this year because of being run into the ground. I can't thank you enough!
ANTIOCH GRASS LAKE BASKETBALL PLAYER SHOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A "TEAMMATE."
November 21, 2016 - Submitted by Grass Lake AD Jack Hall
Our 5th grade player, Josh Morales, showed what it means to be a "TEAMMATE." Josh was unable to play due to an injury but willingly gave his uniform when another player has forgotten his. The great thing about this act was that he was not asked to do so by the other player. He was standing next to the AD when that player mentioned it. This is the example of selflessness, a trait we need to see more of! Josh was awarded our team's "Athlete of the Week" award for his action.
COLCHESTER WEST PRAIRIE COMMENDS CLASS ACT BY AUGUSTA SOUTHEASTERN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH BRYAN SCHULLIAN
November 17, 2016 - Submitted by Colchester West Prairie Principal Caitlin Watson
Southeastern was up by 23 points with a minute to go in the 8th grade basketball game. Coach Schullian recognized that West prairie had a player on the court who was new to the game of basketball and didn't have the opportunity to play very much. He called a time-out and told his players and the referee that he was going to allow the West Prairie player the opportunity to score. Southeastern had the ball coming out of the timeout and turned the ball over so West Prairie could gain possession. The West Prairie players got the ball to their teammate and Southeastern players allowed him to dribble in for a layup and score. This is something the West Prairie player will never forget and a lesson in kindness for both teams. Thank you, Coach Schullian!
CENTRAL ILLINOIS SCHOOL RECOGNIZED BY BASKETBALL OFFICIAL FOR SPORTSMANSHIP
November 15, 2016 - Submitted by Basketball Official Derek Sieg
The Morton girls' basketball team showed outstanding sportsmanship toward all participants at the 7th and 8th grade levels. The players, coaches, and fans could not have been more outstanding in their behavior. The fans cheered outstanding play for their team and were respectful of the opponent. The coaches were fun to work with, joking with the officials in a respectful manner. The players would get the ball to the officials during a dead ball, help opponents and teammates off the floor after a play, and were respectful of the game and their opponents. I cannot think of anything they did not do that could have shown more sportsmanship. Kudos to all involved with this program for showing what great sportsmanship is. By the way, both of these teams lost - the 7th grade [lost] by several points and the 8th grade game in overtime. Both teams played hard and showed no displeasure with the outcome of the game.
COACH SHOWS STUDENTS WHAT "DOING WHAT'S RIGHT" MEANS IN A GAME SITUATION
November 14, 2016 - Submitted by Basketball Official Justin Phillips
Good morning. I just wanted to report an act of good sportsmanship from a contest on 11/14/16. The 8th grade boys team from Warrensburg-Latham was beating their opponent, Central A&M, by about 12 points with under a minute to go in the contest. The visiting team had put in their subs. A player from Warrensburg-Latham deflected a pass from the opponent about mid-court and had a wide open lay up. The coach for Warrensburg began yelling at his player to stop and to hold the ball and not run up the score. When it became apparent that he was going to continue in for a lay up, the coach called a time out to stop him. In my opinion, this was a very good display of sportsmanship and doing the right thing in the situation.
TOLEDO CUMBERLAND COACHES COMMENDED FOR THEIR SPORTSMANSHIP
November 10, 2016 - Submitted by Basketball Official Kevin Trapp
Both coaches for Cumberland Junior High's boys' basketball teams demonstrated excellent sportsmanship during the game on 11/7/16. The coaches were supportive of their players throughout the game by offering encouragement and praising the boys' effort and execution. I didn't hear oen negative comment from either of the coaches directed at players or officials the entire night. As an official who works many games, I can say that rarely happens. Behavior like that was refreshing to see. Kudos to those coaches for setting good examples for their school.
HENRY BASKETBALL PLAYER APPLAUDED FOR GOING OUT OF HER WAY TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT
October 31, 2016 - Submitted by Wendy Smith, Fieldcrest Fan
I am contacting you about an intentional foul during the Fieldcrest vs. Henry game on October 31st. During this game an intentional foul was issued to #3 on Henry's team. Though the officials made the right call, it did not appear to the Fieldcrest fans that this young girl meant any harm to our player. It was just a circumstance of her going for the ball, which appeared to the officials that she was reaching for our player's head. After the game, #3 came up to our player and apologized to her. She had tears running down her cheeks and truly felt sorry for her actions. This says a lot about the character of this young lady and the expectations from her parents, her school, and her community. This foul was an accident and there is no need for her to beat herself up over this incident. I wish the best of luck to the team as they continue the season. You must be proud that you have a student-athlete on your girls' basketball team that demonstrates tremendous character. At the end of this day, character wins over the win-loss record.
FARMINGTON BASKETBALL PLAYER RECOGNIZED FOR LENDING A HAND TO OPPONENT
October 19, 2016 - Submitted by Peoria Heights St. Thomas AD Brandon Buchner
In the 4th quarter of a girls' basketball game, Farmington player Lynzie Perdue was handling the ball at midcourt. Guarding her closely was our smallest player, who is probably a foot shorter than Lynzie. When Lynzie made a turn upcourt, she got tangled up with our guard who fell to the floor. Even though the whistle was not blown and it was still a live ball, Lynzie extened a hand to our fallen player to help her up to which she received very loud applause from the crowd. She received additional loud applause when she was subbed out a few minutes later. I want to not only thank Lynzie for her display of sportsmanship, but also the St. Thomas and Farmington parents and fans in attendance who instantly recognized her display.
CROSS COUNTRY COACH THANKFUL FOR EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE AT DUAL MEET AND AT SECTIONALS
October 18, 2016 - Submitted by Dixmoor Rosa Parks Cross Country Coach Rob Lininger
I have been wanting to recognize Calumet MS (SD 132) for their incredible support and demonstration of sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the sport. Despite torrential rains, their coaches and students were all smiles and full of encouraging words in a dual meet with us prior to sectionals. Then, at sectionals, their athletes interacted with ours wishing them luck and thanking and complimenting our coaches. They did a tremendous job hosting the sectional meet - they even provided athletes with fresh fruit and drinks after their races - and I hope they decide to host for many years to come! All of my athletes had a marvelous experience even though we came in near last place.
GAME OFFICIAL RECOGNIZES SPORTSMANSHIP BY 2 RIVAL SCHOOLS' GIRLS' BASKETBALL PROGRAMS
October 14, 2016 - Submitted by Basketball Official Philip Meyer
This was a rivalry game between the two schools (Arcola Junior High School and Tuscola East Prairie). Both teams were well coached and disciplined. Both teams played hard and aggressive. Both teams helped opposing players up off the court. The coaches actually coach their players. The coaches did not moan and groan about calls or no calls. When calls were made, the coaches took the opportunity to teach the child what was wrong and how to improve. The gym was packed. There were a lot of students on hand supporting their schools. These students did cheers back and forth. They were loud and having a good time. As an official, I particularly enjoyed the fact that this cheering drowned out the parental hecklers. The cheers were student-led as there were no cheerleaders on hand. There were parents from both schools who got involved with the children cheering.
MAHOMET-SEYMOUR COACH APPLAUDS NORMAL KINGSLEY'S SPORTSMANSHIP
October 8, 2016 - Submitted by Mahomet-Seymour Cross Country Coach Lisa Martin
I just have to say that we had several coaches and runners that showed great sportsmanship this year. As a coach that has hosted MANY sectionals, I often wonder if others understand the hard work that goes into hosting a successful and efficient sectional meet- one that has everyone on their way home before 11am. This year, I felt that others really understood. I would like to take a minute and recognize an individual and her family. Elizabeth Horton from Normal Kingsley and her family were out to eat at a local restaurant where the coaching staff was meeting to submit our results. She and her family took the time to thank us (actually a few times). She was just a really great young lady with lots of positive energy. It is not often that a runner takes the time to say thank you and be so genuine. Her family offered many kind words and then were on their way home. As a coach, these words of gratitude go a long way. The sleepless nights of preparing for such a prestigious meet and the hours put in leading up to the event can overwhelm anyone, but at the end of the day, a simple thank you can go a long way. For this, I would like to make sure that Elizabeth earns recognition for her good sportsmanship.
EXCELLENT DISPLAY OF SPORTSMANSHIP BY BEECHER CITY-COWDEN HERRICK GIRLS' BASKETBALL PROGRAM
October 1, 2016 - Submitted by Basketball Official Lawrence Watts
I worked the Beecher City-Cowden Herrick vs Ramsey junior high girls' games last night and wanted to compliment the BCCH girls on their sportsmanship throughout both games. The BCCH girls would immediately extend a hand to help an opposing player up from the floor, even without being involved in the play - if the opponent fell down, a BCCH girl would move to help her up if close. The girls did this in both games, even during frustrating periods when they were not playing well. None of the girls showed any displeasure with any calls, helped with loose balls, and showed respect to both the officials and the opposing team. Great job by the girls and coaches for instilling this behavior.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP DEMONSTRATED BY VILLA GROVE'S SOFTBALL PITCHER
September 23, 2016 - Submitted by Villa Grove Statistician Floyd Fisher
First off, I want to thank you for hosting the state softball tournament, it is a great experience and opportunity for the girls. I have been coaching at the high school and junior high levels since 2000, and I have often contacted schools and state associations when I have seen an opponent display great sportsmanship. I have never done that for one of my players, until now. Yesterday we lost 10-1, which could have been very frustrating. As the game ended, the 3rd base umpire stayed on the field while the other 2 went to the first base side exit. All of our girls on their own shook the 3rd base umpire's hand and thanked him. What happened next was what I am writing about. Our pitcher, Kyleigh Block, spotted the other 2 umpires and motioned for her teammates to follow her as she sprinted across the field to shake the hands and thank the other umpires. This was Kyleigh's final junior high game, and was a tough loss. I cannot say enough how proud I am of her for her leadership and sportsmanship and just wanted to make sure the IESA was aware of one of the promising young leaders in the state.
|
