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.

Sportsmanship was abound at last year's state meet (see Waterloo, Riverside-Brookfield & everyone helping New Berlin) and continued again in 2015. Officials who judged the 2015 IHSA Cheerleading State Finals on February 6-7 filed the four SAWA Reports below on the cheer squads from Breese Central, Buffalo Grove, Grayslake North & Lincoln-Way West:

"Coach Julianne Jacob and the Breese Central Cheerleaders set a high standard not only on the floor with their skills, but more importantly set the standard for Sportsmanship. Both coach Jacob and her team won their class graciously, but more importantly showed support for other teams. When a team in their division struggled, the BCHS cheerleaders rallied to boost the spirits of those who had a rough performance. Thank you for standing out, standing up and being a leader for great sportsmanship in our industry."


"During the 2015 State Cheerleading Finals, I was in awe of the exemplary show of sportsmanship from the Buffalo Grove HS Cheerleaders, coach Jeff Siegal, and ALL of the BGHS Fans. They cheered on each and every team that performed and cheered extra hard for those teams who had rough performances. What a first rate coach, athletes and fan section representing Buffalo Grove H.S.!

They won their division with grace and dignity and that really stood out to me as an official!"


"WOW! What an amazing display of genuine sportsmanship the Grayslake Central Cheerleaders displayed at the 2015 IHSA State Cheerleading Finals. Although their team did not place in the top 3, the ENTIRE team moved to the front of the floor to support and cheer on those teams who did. As an official, it is warranted to recognize these athletes and their coaches for their display of honest, genuine sportsmanship. Thank you for instilling the value of true sportsmanship to your cheerleaders and supporting those teams with which you compete. What a commendable act! Your kind gestures of positive support for your competitors did not go unnoticed!"


"At the 2015 IHSA State Cheerleading Finals, the coaches and cheerleaders from Lincoln-Way West H.S. displayed the epitome of sportsmanship. They were thrilled to receive the 3rd place trophy, but moreover they enthusiastically cheered on the 2nd and 1st place teams in their division. What amazingly well coached positive ambassadors the Lincoln-Way West Cheerleaders and coaching staff are. Thank you for your positive contributions to the sport of cheerleading and more importantly raising young athletes who are great people at heart!"