Sports Digest

WIAA board increases tournament reimbursements

The WIAA’s Board of Control voted to approve increases in several reimbursements, fees and allowances last Wednesday during its April meeting.

After assessing the budget review cycle process presented by the executive staff, the board supported several school reimbursement and licensed officials pay increases related to Tournament Series events, as well as adding a $70 stipend to tournament seed meeting hosts beginning next school year.

Among the increases, all schools hosting cross country sectionals will receive $1,000 to assist in the expense of timing systems, in lieu of charging participating schools an entry fee. In addition, regional and sectional tournament event manager stipends will be increased $20 per event, and regional and sectional tournament host allowances will also be increased $50 per event for all sports. Furthermore, the member schools’ tournament ticket revenue sharing percentage will be increased five percent in all sports.

Other increases will adjust school state tournament reimbursements. Mileage returns to schools will increase $.15 to $.70 for individual tournaments with an increase of $.25 to $2 for team tournaments mileage. Additionally, $3 per meal will be added to the existing state tournament reimbursements and lodging will increase $15 per night. State tournament reimbursements to schools per person for individual state tournament expenses will also increase $14. 

Officials' pay during the tournament series will experience a $10 boost to the current fee structure for each respective sport contest. The raise in officials’ compensation comes on the heels of a $10 increase implemented in 2024-25. 

The total estimated increase of payments to schools and licensed officials is approximately $892,910. With the $807,350 increase distributed to member schools, the expected revenue to be allocated to schools in 2025-26 is approximately $4 million. 

Additionally the board approved Conference Realignment Task Force recommendations for the previously remanded 11-player football and lacrosse plans that impacted 49 football programs assigned to seven conferences, including one plan that involves the Northeastern Conference and Eastern Wisconsin Conference, and a second plan that affects the Classic Eight Conference, Greater Metro Conference, North Shore Conference, Parkland Conference and the Woodland Conference. The approved plan for lacrosse impacts 20 boys’ programs and 18 girls’ programs that were assigned to three conferences, respectively. The three boys’ and girls’ leagues modified include the North Shore Conference, Greater Metro/Midwest Classic Conference and the Classic Eight Conference.

Men’s 60 and over slowpitch softball league in search of more teams

The men’s 60 and over slowpitch softball league in Vilas County is looking for additional players to round out teams that are already established and have been for many years. This is an underhanded slowpitch game with senior bats, pinch runners if needed, no sliding. 

If you can still swing the bat, come out and have some fun in their slowpitch softball league. It’s a great way to meet new friends with the bar sponsors usually providing food after the games. Teams are located in Eagle River, Sugar Camp, Sayner and Phelps. 

All those interested call or text 262-818-1676. Deadline is May 15. If your birthday to be 60 falls within this year, you are eligible for this league.