As a part of the IHSA Do What’s Right! Sportsmanship Program, member school personnel and licensed IHSA officials have the ability to recognize acts of exemplary sportsmanship and integrity that occur in IHSA events throughout the school year via the Sport A Winning Attitude Report (SAWA). Those who are recognized receive a special certificate from the IHSA and select SAWAs are featured here on the IHSAState website.

The 2015-16 high school basketball is off to a great start in terms of sportsmanship. Below is a sampling of a few SAWA Reports filed by IHSA Officials during the 2015-16 basketball season thus far:

“I had the pleasure to officiate a boys’ varsity basketball game at Clifton Central on Friday, December 11, 2015. The game was very fast paced and well played by both teams. At times, there were bodies on floor. It came to my attention that a player from Clifton Central, Blake Willis, would help up an opponent, not just once, but several times during the contest. This type of sportsmanship is appreciated by the officials. It also helps to keep the game from becoming too physical and getting out of hand.”


“This report is to recognize the professional manner in which Illini Central player Riley Entwhistle conducted himself during his team’s contest vs. Hartsburg-Emden. Throughout the game, Riley not only played hard but displayed very high quality leadership skills in the way he directed and interacted with his teammates. I was also impressed with the way he conducted himself in a conversation he and I had regarding an intentional foul that had been called. Rather than be argumentative or dismissive, Riley was receptive to the explanation why the foul was called intentional rather than just a common foul. I felt it necessary to recognize the leadership and sportsmanship displayed by Riley.”


“The boys’ varsity game between Vandalia and Gillespie was very competitive. (Vandalia head coach) Bryan Buscher displayed amazing sportsmanship the whole game. He coached his team and demanded sportsmanship from his players. He should be commended.”


“Officiated last night at Rockton Hononegah High School. The gym was packed, which it usually is when these two schools play. This SAWA report is about both schools’ student sections. Both schools had great student sections at the game. They were loud, enthusiastic & cheered for their teams in a positive manner. They showed school spirit in the most positive way & it was a pleasure for our crew to officiate in such an awesome atmosphere. A shout-out to the students of Boylan & Hononegah on the way they support their teams in a positive & enthusiastic way.”


"During the entire varsity contest at Glenbard West High School, Plainfield Central's Sedrick Brooks and Coach Steve Lamberti displayed sportsmanship that was beyond expectation. As a captain, Sedrick lead his team by example. After several close calls against his team, he nodded to the officials in acceptance. Several times he thanked the officials for simple things like handing him the ball or explaining a ruling. Coach Lamberti was always encouraging to his players. A few times he had them laughing after difficult plays. In the wake of a few very close calls, he asked questions of the officials and did so in a conversational manner."