Sports Digest

Retzlaff scores runner-up finish at Rockingham

Rhinelander native Parker Retzlaff scored the best finish of his NASCAR Xfinity Series career last Saturday, earning a runner-up finish in the circuit’s 250-lapper at Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, N.C.

Retzlaff piloted his No. 4 Chevrolet for Alpha Prime Racing to the outside pole for Saturday’s race and was still running second following the end of Stage 1. He survived a yellow-filled race slowed by 14 caution periods and lined up fourth for a two-lap overtime finish.

Retzlaff crossed the finish line third behind Jesse Love’s No. 2 Chevrolet and Sammy Smith’s No. 8 Chevrolet, however Love’s car was disqualified for an infraction found in post-race technical inspection — handing Smith the win and Retzlaff second place. Richard Childress Racing, which fields Love’s Xfinity Series entry, appealed the penalty, but that appeal was denied by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel on Wednesday.

Retzlaff’s second-place finish is a career-best finish for him in the Xfinity Series. His previous best was a third-place showing in the 2024 Xfinity Series opener at Daytona Beach, Fla. 

“Heck of a day for this team. P2 in qualifying & p3 in the race,” Retzlaff posted on social media prior to learning of Love’s disqualification. “Proud of this group. No quit! Carrying this momentum onto Talladega.”

Saturday’s race marked Retzlaff’s first top-10 finish of the season, and first top 10 since a ninth-place run at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway June 1 of last year. Retzlaff currently sits 22nd in the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings through 10 races as the series heads to Talladega, Ala. this Saturday.

WIAA announces winter sportsmanship award winners

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, in cooperation with Rural Mutual Insurance, announced the recipients of the team sportsmanship awards for the 2025 winter state tournaments on Monday.

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.

“The WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school and community in each of the state team tournaments that exhibits exemplary sportsmanship,” the WIAA stated in a press release. “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.” 

Additionally, the WIAA stated Division 2 boys’ hockey state champion Tomahawk received honorable mention for the award in that sport.

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. 

Award winners receive a trophy and banner in recognition of the honor. Schools receiving honorable mention are acknowledged with a certificate of recognition.