WJJQ Radio

Story Details

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

Silent Sports Offer Calming Fall Color Experience in the Northwoods

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Fall colors are on full display in the Northwoods, and there is no shortage of viewing opportunities especially if you're into silent sports. While an afternoon drive may be the simplest way to check out the fall leaves; local chambers, tourism organizations, and silent sports clubs are encouraging people to park the car and consider exploring by foot, bike, or boat. They offered a few ideas… A hike through a county forest or state park is a simple and affordable way to get an up-close view while also getting some fresh air and exercise. To cover a bit more ground, hop onto a local bike trail. Highlighted routes include the Hiawatha and Bearskin near Tomahawk and the growing network of trails in Oneida and Vilas Counties. If you'd rather paddle than pedal, a kayak or canoe excursion is another opportunity for picturesque viewing. As a bonus, the reflections of the leaves on calm waters can double the viewing experience. Local organizations have been enhancing kayak and canoe launches and designating water trails in the area. And if you'd like to check out the fall colors from a different perspective, there are some unique aerial opportunities, as well. Timm's Hill, the highest point in the state, is right in our back yard and frequently cited as one of the best viewing spots in the state. And down in the Wausau area, Granite Peak offers rides to the top of Rib Mountain via their ski lifts.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Firefighters across Lincoln County will be better protected during emergency calls thanks to a major local grant. The county's five fire departments teamed up to apply for funding from the Bierman Foundation to upgrade critical safety gear, including new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. At a recent Tomahawk Health and Safety meeting, Tomahawk Fire Chief Paul Winter announced that their joint application was selected for funding. Chief Winter shared that Tomahawk's portion of the grant totals approximately $550,000. The funds will cover 24 new SCBA units with face masks, 48 air cylinders, three Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs, and a gear extractor. Winter described it as a specialized heavy-duty washing machine built to decontaminate firefighter's personal protective gear including items that can't be cleaned in a traditional unit. Winter called the grant "a really big deal for us," noting that the funds are expected to arrive in January. It caps off an exciting stretch for the Tomahawk Fire Department, which also took delivery of a brand-new fire truck recently, just in time as the department observes National Fire Prevention Week.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Students in Rhinelander are experiencing an immersive Mexican art opportunity with some special guest instructors. The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, ArtStart and the Mexican Folk Art Collective are hosting a group Mexican folk artists as part of the Culture Tap artist residency program, now in its fifth year. Over the next two school days, these guests will be working with the district's elementary students. They'll take part in activities such as making alebrijes, which are brightly decorated clay statues, traditional Mexican dancing, and other games and lessons while sharing culture, language and vocabulary. These activities tie in with a book the students are reading titled Esperanza Rising. In addition to the daytime programs for students at the schools, they'll also host a community fiesta this evening at 6pm at Nacho's Mexican Grill in Rhinelander, where the artists will present traditional folk dancing as well as games and other activities.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News A quick heads-up for Tomahawk residents for some road construction planned this week that may cause some brief travel disruptions, or residents that may need to make temporary arrangements. First up is a weeklong project on East Lincoln Avenue. From today through Thursday, East Lincoln between 4th and 6th Streets will be closed to through traffic. Final paving is scheduled for Thursday, which may temporarily limit driveway access for property owners along that stretch. The city notes that Washington Square Park will be accessible via the alley. Crews also have two single-day projects planned for Wednesday:• Leather Avenue / County Highway CC: Paving between Collins Street and the recreational trail will reduce traffic to a single lane. • Henry Street: The road will be closed for a pavement overlay. Residents who need to use their vehicles on Wednesday are asked to park on an alternate street by 7:00 AM.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News The Merrill Fire Department called in some mutual aid Friday; not for an emergency, but to settle a friendly wager on a local high school football game. The Merrill Blue Jays and the Antigo Red Robins renewed their Great Northern Conference rivalry this past week. For each of the past four years, Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug and Antigo Fire Chief Corey Smith have placed a friendly bet on the outcome of the game, dubbed the "War on 64" in reference to the highway connecting the two communities. The annual wager supports their respective hometown teams while raising community awareness for both fire departments. After Antigo won the inaugural bet in 2023, Merrill responded with three straight victories, including last week's matchup. As a result, Chief Smith made the drive over to Merrill Friday morning to serve lunch and wash a Merrill ambulance.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News E-bikes are exploding in popularity, and local law enforcement continue to deal with unsafe operation, including the use of electric motorcycles. According to the Wausau Police Department, there is a difference between the two-wheel offerings. Standard e-bikes have pedals and low top speeds, making them legal for neighborhood rides. High-powered e-motos function as lightweight motorcycles, hitting high speeds without pedals or basic safety gear like turn signals and side mirrors. Police say unlicensed minors are taking these unregistered vehicles onto public roads, riding through stop signs, speeding, and operating into oncoming traffic. Officers apprehended one repeat offender this past week and impound his e-moto. The Department said they had received multiple complaints about the juvenile's driving behavior. He had also fled from police several times including earlier that same day. With crashes involving teens on e-motos rising statewide, police are urging parents to step in and keep non-street-legal rides off public roads.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News A woman facing child neglect charges in Lincoln County has taken a plea deal. According to court records, at a hearing Thursday, 33-year-old Megan Cis pleaded guilty to amended misdemeanor charges of victim intimidation, battery, and drug possession. Nine additional counts were dismissed. The charges stem from a December welfare check at a property in Bradley, north of Tomahawk, where Cis, her partner Wilber Copeland III, and eight children were living in an RV. The Sheriff's Office began their investigation after one of the children was left alone and sought food from a neighbor. During their investigation, deputies discovered inadequate heat during freezing temperatures, a lack of food, and physical abuse. They also located drugs in the home, potentially accessible to the children. The sentencing hearing followed immediately. Cis will avoid additional jail time by completing two years of probation. Copeland is also facing charges. He is scheduled in court Monday.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News A woman listed as missing and endangered in Langlade County was located. On Friday morning, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office issued a media release in their effort to locate 36 year old Brittany Marvin, who was last seen walking away from a family residence in Elcho on September 26. While at the residence for less than an hour, the family reported she was not acting normally. It was unclear how she arrived or left the residence. Fortunately, several hours after the initial announcement, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office cancelled the search, announcing that Marvin had been located safe. No other information was provided.

Published on 10/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Football squad fought valiantly but came up short on Homecoming night at Hatchet Field, losing to the Medford Raiders, 20-0. The Hatchets held Medford to seven points in the first half, including stopping them on fourth down as time expired in the second quarter. However, the Raiders used their strong running attack of Carson Ingersoll. The Hatchets were held to just 40 rushing yards on 30 carries. Henry Nieman notched his fourth interception of the season in the last five games midway through the first quarter. The loss drops Tomahawk to 3-4 on the season and 3-2 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the field for Senior Night next week against Merrill. Jon Long and Alex Koch will be in the booth next Friday with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00 on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. 11-Player Football: Wausau East 32, Antigo 22 Lakeland 14, Mosinee 0 Northland Pines 45, Clintonville 6 Crivitz 36, Crandon 0 Merrill 37, Rhinelander 0 8-Player Football: #10 8P Laona-Wabeno 58, Chequamegon 8 Hurley 56, Rib Lake 22 Athens 60, Newman Catholic 20

Published on 10/02/2026 under Sports Hatchet Cross Country Places in Top Eight at Athens Tomahawk' Cross Country squads finished in the top eight in the Athens Blue Jay Invitational Thursday night. The Hatchet Girls would place sixth in the invite, placing ahead of Chequamegon, Antigo, and Cadott. The top finisher for the Hatchet ladies was Elise Gibeault, who placed eighth with a time of 21:05. Second on the team and 22nd overall was Ellie Micke, clocking in at 22:40. As for the Hatchet Boys, they would place eighth in the invite, ahead of Antigo and Abbotsford. Connor Zorn placed 26th overall at 18:16. Dawson Jones finished 32nd at 18:30. Tomahawk's next invite is Tuesday when they head to Northland Pines. Events begin at 4:00. Team Results: Boys: Prentice/Rib Lake - 2nd Rhinelander - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Tomahawk - 8th Antigo 9th Girls: Prentice/Rib Lake - 1st Rhinelander 3rd Athens - 4th Tomahawk - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Antigo - 8th Tomahawk Swimmers Drops Final Home Dual to Medford The Hatchet Female Swimmers would fall in their final home GNC dual of the season to the Medford Raiders at the Hatchet Pool, 120-32. Despite the loss, Tomahawk would have three second-place finishes in the dual meet. Kami Gabrich placed second in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:33.44. Gabrich would then join Kourtney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts in a second-place finish in the 400 yard freestyle relay with a time of 4:39.51. Busterud, Tollefson, Roberts, and Sloane Eisenmann would then finish second in the 200 Medley relay. The Final GNC Meet of the season takes place down in Merrill next Thursday. Events will begin at 5:30. Hatchet Volleyball Swept by #1 in Division 2 Mosinee Against #1 in Division 2 Mosinee, the Hatchet Volleyball squad would suffer yet another Great Northern Conference Sweep, losing, 25-7, 25-17, 25-22. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-24 on the season and 0-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at home for the GNC Finale Tuesday night against Northland Pines. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show will begin at 6:35 and first serve is at 7:00. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will have the broadcast from the Hatchet House Tuesday night.

+ Read More