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WIAA Board Approves Basketball Shot Clock, Two Divisions in Boys Hockey Published on 06/23/2017 under Sports

STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control reviewed and approved a number of committee recommendations impacting winter sports, gave initial review and consideration of a newly conceived divisional placement plan for basketball, and engaged in robust membership-related discussions at its June meeting today.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Board voted to implement the use of a 35-second shot clock in basketball for varsity games only to begin with the 2019-20 season.

In other basketball-related action, coaches qualifying for the Sate Tournament will determine the seeds for the four qualifying teams in each of the five divisions with a Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association representative breaking any ties that may occur beginning in 2017-18.

Three other basketball recommendations received approval from the Board. If schools choose to play only one half of a junior varsity game and a full varsity game, players will be allowed to play in only two halves. Also approved was extending the coaching box to 28 feet from 14 feet for all levels. In addition, the number of players per team allowed to dress during the Tournament Series will increase to 18 while maintaining the maximum party limit of 22.

The Board also voted to convene the basketball coaches advisory committee following the 2017 Area Meetings to discuss the merits of a newly created basketball tournament placement model. Details of the plan will be shared and discussed at the Area Meetings and at each level of the committee process to be presented to the Board at its Jan. 31, 2018 meeting. General details of the plan is provided below.

The Board supported an amended recommendation for a two-year experiment on sponsoring two divisions in boys hockey beginning with the 2020 State Tournament. The tournament format will feature four teams in Division 1 and four in Division 2 with the smallest 32 programs by enrollment assigned to Division 2.

Another action item in hockey was the approval of the procedure for seeding the State Tournament. The WIAA will conduct a conference call with coaches of qualifying teams to determine the top four seeds, and the remaining four teams will be randomly drawn as opponents of the seeded teams in the brackets. The guidelines for seeding will replicate those for the regional and sectional levels.

Beginning next season, the State Tournament in team wrestling will also be seeded by coaches of qualifying teams. The process will replicate the procedure approved in boys hockey. Another wrestling recommendation approved for 2017-18 increases the total number of medals awarded to 28 at the State Team Tournament, which equals the number of eligible athletes. In other wrestling-related discussions, the Board was informed of a change in the Feb. 1, one-pound growth allowance to take effect on the date of the first regional competition.

The lone gymnastics coaches' recommendation received approval. It requires the final average score of a routine to be posted during meets throughout the season.

The Board also ratified spring cooperative programs for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, general fund financial statements and payments and a spending resolution during development of the 2017-18 operational budget.

Among the additional discussions were a review of the 2017 spring State Tournaments, updates on Assembly Bill 260/Senate Bill 232, the 2017 New Athletic Director Workshop, possible 2017 Area Meeting topics, and potential Constitution items for the 2018 Annual Meeting.

The Board also received liaison reports from John Ashley of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and Peggy Seegers-Braun of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.

The WIAA oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 511 senior high schools and 41 junior high/middle level schools in its membership. It sponsors 27 championship tournament series. For more information, please contact the WIAA office at (715) 344-8580.

In Other News

Local Artists Create Designs for Antigo Light Pole Banners

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Downtown Antigo is turning its light poles into a public art gallery, one hand-painted canvas at a time. While many communities use light pole banners to mark seasonal holidays or honor local veterans, downtown Antigo is taking a much more personal approach to its streetscapes. Through a creative collaboration between the City of Antigo and Antigo Visual Arts, custom-designed banners are popping up along 5th Avenue, featuring one-of-a-kind artwork hand-painted by local artists. Each 2.5 by 5-foot canvas covers a wide range of themes from deeply personal local tributes to nature-inspired landscapes. Among the two newest installations is a special memorial piece honoring longtime Antigo Daily Journal publisher and community advocate Fred Berner, capturing his legacy and love for the city. Another is a simple, but elegant monarch butterfly. Organizers say the project is an open-air celebration of community pride, turning everyday utility poles into a vibrant showcase of local storytelling and civic collaboration. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take a stroll or drive down 5th Avenue in Antigo to enjoy the local craftsmanship firsthand.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News The first Monday in September marks Labor Day, a long weekend where many workers get a well-deserved day off. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day honors the American labor movement and recognizes the vital contributions of workers. While many in the Northwoods celebrate with cookouts or trips to the cabin, Merrill marks the holiday with two beloved annual community events. Festivities kick off this morning with the annual Labor Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. After winding down near the courthouse, the action shifts to the Merrill Fairgrounds, where the Lions Club is hosting its annual Labor Day Car Show, a tradition still going strong after more than four decades. Organizers say the show typically draws 200 to 250 entries. While classic vehicles from the 1960s and '70s are the most common, attendees can expect to see everything from 1920s models to modern classics. During the event, the city also plans to announce the winner of its summer-long America's 250th Decorating Contest.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Lower-than-normal water levels could create additional challenges for late-summer and early-fall boaters. According to the DNR, ongoing drought conditions across much of the state are causing water bodies to drop below their typical levels. Problems can start right at the boat launch. Officials recommend checking the end of the ramp before backing down, using a spotter, and utilizing your winch instead of powering onto the trailer. Boaters should monitor water levels closely and plan an early or alternate removal if needed. Out on the water, navigators should stay alert, as lower water levels may expose additional hazards. Keep a sharp eye out for submerged stumps, rocks, and sandbars. As for fish and wildlife, the DNR does not anticipate any immediate impacts. Fish may concentrate in smaller areas, but the added stress will likely reduce their appetite. Meanwhile, staff have not observed any widespread negative impacts on wildlife populations, noting that local species are generally adaptable to changing conditions.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Labor Day marks the last hurrah for summer travel, and officials are urging drivers to prioritize safety on area roadways. Here in the Northwoods, traffic is expected to be heaviest heading south on Monday afternoon. For those closing up cabins for the season, hauling extra cargo and trailers is common practice. Officials remind drivers to ensure all loads are properly secured, not only to prevent lost items, but also to protect motorists traveling behind you. Trailer Safety Checklist:Check tires and lights: Inspect tire pressures and lights, especially if the trailer has been in storage all summer.Match the hitch: Ensure the hitch ball and coupler are the exact same size and latched securely.Use safety chains: Crisscross safety chains under the trailer tongue before heading out.Standard rules of the road still apply: obey posted speed limits, buckle up, and avoid distracted driving. Law enforcement is also participating in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign through Labor Day.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News The state's long-term plan to close Lincoln Hills took another step forward as 33 new Department of Corrections staff members graduated from their training academy. They will serve at Milwaukee's new Southeast Regional Care Center for Youth. The $78.4 million, 32-bed Milwaukee center is set to open as the first of three proposed regional facilities designed to replace Lincoln Hills School and Copper Lake School as the state's primary youth correctional facility. The goal is to keep young offenders closer to their families, hometown support networks, and staff who understand their local communities. Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy emphasized that regional care allows family and community resources to integrate directly into youth rehabilitation. Many of the new staff members grew up in the same neighborhoods and navigated the same challenges as the youth they will be caring for. A second site in Dane County is set to break ground, while a third facility may be built at an undetermined location in northern Wisconsin to serve regional youth offenders. Once the transition is fully complete, state plans call for converting the Lincoln County complex into an adult correctional facility.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Governor Evers' planned stop at the Chequamegon School District on Friday was canceled due to nearby threats unrelated to his visit. Price County Dispatch received a call from a man making terroristic threats and expressing suicidal thoughts at a business in the Town of Lake. Multiple agencies responded, taking the man into custody without incident. Around that same time, Gov. Evers was scheduled to visit the Chequamegon School-South Campus. As a precaution during the incident, the school was placed in a secure hold; and the Governor's visit cancelled. Authorities noted that the threats did not appear to be connected to his planned visit. The stop was intended to be part of the governor's annual statewide Back-to-School tour. A former science teacher and school administrator, Gov. Evers is marking his 50th back-to-school season and his final one as governor.

Published on 09/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would fail to shake off another slow start in their Great Northern Conference opener Friday night at Hatchet Field, losing to Wausau East, 23-14. The Hatchets were able to move the ball for three out of the four quarters against Wausau East. Unfortunately, Tomahawk was unable to overcome an early 16-0 deficit behind two first-half touchdowns from the Lumberjacks' Xander Klein. The Hatchets rushed for a season-high 183 yards on 40 carries. Max Larson led the way with 69 yards and a touchdown. Henry Nieman finished with a receiving touchdown and an interception. Tomahawk falls to 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at Hatchet Field next week to welcome Antigo. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin begins at 6:15 and kickoff is at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth. Other Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Coleman 28, Northland Pines 16 Marathon 19, Crandon 0 Mosinee 33, Antigo 14 Merrill 42, Lakeland 13 Medford 62, Rhinelander 20 Regis 42, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football: Suring 56, Goodman-Pembine 6 Hurley 22, Phillips 6 Laona-Wabeno 44, Rib Lake 6 Three Lakes/Phelps 64, Chequamegon 0

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Published on 09/04/2026 under News One person is dead following a UTV crash in Price County earlier this week. According to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) incident report, the crash occurred Wednesday in the Town of Emery, east of Phillips. A 72-year-old man was driving along an established road route when he veered off the roadway, causing the machine to roll over. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name. This marks Wisconsin's 33rd fatal ATV/UTV crash this year. As we covered earlier this week, the DNR and local recreation deputies are conducting their "Think Smart Before You Start" ATV/UTV safety and enforcement campaign through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

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