The WIAA, in cooperation with Rural Insurance, has selected the team Sportsmanship Awards for the 2008 winter State Tournaments. Monroe was the only Madison area school that was honored, receiving honorable mention in both boys' basketball and girls' basketball.
The Monroe girls' basketball team won the Division 2 state championship, its second title in three years. The Monroe boys' team lost in the Division 2 state semifinals after winning the 2007 title.
The winners of the prestigious award are Antigo in gymnastics, Ellsworth in team wrestling, Oostburg in girls basketball, Iola-Scandinavia in boys basketball, Superior in boys ice hockey and the Mosinee co-op (which includes Schofield D.C. Everest, Wausau East and Wausau West) in girls ice hockey.
Receiving honorable mention honors were:
*** gymnastics: Southwestern/ Cuba City and Waukesha West/North/South
*** wrestling: Hartland Arrowhead, Clear Lake, Franklin, Kaukauna, Milton, Pewaukee, Random Lake and Tomah
*** girls basketball: Altoona, De Pere, Eleva-Strum, Marshfield, Monroe, Oak Creek and Sheboygan County Christian
*** boys basketball: Eau Claire North, Monroe, Oshkosh West, Plymouth, Randolph and Whitefish Bay Dominican.
*** boys hockey: Eau Claire Memorial.
*** girls hockey: Northland Pines and Chippewa Falls/McDonell Central.
The WIAA/Rural Insurance Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school and community in each of the State team tournaments. The award winners are determined by the conduct and 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 insure support for their teams are positive and that the highest ideals of sportsmanship are upheld. Award winners receive a plaque and banner in recognition of the honor. Schools receiving honorable mention are acknowledged with a certificate of recognition.