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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

Experts Offer Tips When You Get a Tick Bite

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Tick season is ramping up in Wisconsin. While reducing exposure is key, experts are reminding residents that what you do after a tick bite can make a difference. Because those enjoying the outdoors will likely encounter ticks at some point, the Marshfield Clinic provided specific steps to minimize risk when finding an embedded tick. It all starts with a thorough tick check after spending time in tick friendly areas. Pay special attention for deer ticks which are much smaller than the more common wood tick. Doctors say if you find a tick attached, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers. They recommended grabbing the tick close to the skin and pull steadily without twisting or squeezing. If possible, save the tick in a plastic bag and bring it to your healthcare provider. After removal, watch closely for symptoms of tick-borne illness, which can include fever, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. While a "bullseye" rash is a classic indicator, experts warn that Lyme disease does not always cause this well-known symptom. Dr. Thomas Boyce with Marshfield Clinic says early testing and treatment are highly effective, and in some cases, a single dose of antibiotics after a deer tick bite can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease. Data shows Lyme disease cases have been on the rise in Wisconsin. Earlier this month, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute released some preliminary findings from its ongoing TICS study showing nearly half of deer ticks tested carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. (They did note this does not mean a 50% chance at getting Lyme as other factors also affect transmission.) May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee kicked off their 2027 budget work by approving the proposed spending plan for the Tomahawk Public Library. Because the Tomahawk Library is funded by several entities including not only the city, but Lincoln County, their budget typically goes through this process before other departments. Ahead of the vote, director Heidi O'Hare provided a brief overview. The entire Tomahawk Library budget request is just over $500,000 with the city responsible for $213,500. That's identical to last year. O'Hare noted that the library benefits from what are known as cross-county reimbursements. These funds are calculated through a formula and based on usage from residents of neighboring counties. Approximately $57,000 comes from Oneida, Price, Langlade and Taylor Counties. O'Hare also highlighted the generosity of community members through grants and donations, including some funds coming as a result of children's birthday contributions. The committee did forward the budget request to the full City Council with the caveat that there could be some changes come fall as they begin to tackle the city budget as a whole.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Three popular summer celebrations in Tomahawk are set to return in the coming weeks and months after organizers received special event application approval. At its regular May meeting on Tuesday, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee took up special event applications for Tomahawk Music on the River, the Powwow Days Fourth of July celebration, and the Antique Outboard Motor Show. Music on the River, a seven-week, Wednesday evening concert series held in the Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion, was approved without discussion. The first show is scheduled for June 17. Likewise, the Antique Outboard Motor Show at SARA Park was recommended without additional conversation for August 3–8. The committee did, however, spend a few extra minutes discussing the timing of the Powwow Days application. Because the event impacts State Highway 86/South Tomahawk Avenue, the city must apply for a waiver with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Committee members also briefly discussed bathroom availability during the event's Fun Run. All three events will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval next week. Additionally, the Health and Safety Committee approved a request from Tomahawk Main Street to utilize a city-owned lot at the four-way stop for extra vendor space during the Fall Ride festivities. While the committee noted it may consider using that lot for city purposes in future years, members granted the Tomahawk Main Street request for this September.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News If you're feeling stressed,the DNR says the answer might just be rooted in the trees around you. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the DNR is highlighting growing research showing trees do more than provide shade, they can also boost your mood, lower stress, and even improve memory and focus. Researchers say living near trees can lower rates of depression, while walks through green spaces can sharpen attention spans and cognitive function. Even climbing trees got a mention for helping learning and reasoning skills. One recent study found that not only does spending time around trees help mental health, but actually planting trees can improve emotional well-being and reduce negative feelings. So this month and throughout the year, officials encourage Wisconsinites to branch out a little , whether it's planting a tree, taking a walk in the woods, or simply relaxing under a leafy canopy.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Park City Credit Union continues to grow their footprint here in Northern Wisconsin by setting up shop in Wausau. On Tuesday, Park City officially opened the doors to its new full-service branch on Stewart Avenue. The Wausau branch marks Park City Credit Union's sixth location in north central Wisconsin. Officials say the expansion is part of their mission to bring accessible banking and community involvement to more areas. Val Mindak, President/CEO of Park City Credit Union says, "Our expansion into Wausau reinforces our promise to meet members where they are by providing accessible banking solutions." To celebrate the grand opening, the credit union is launching "30 Days of Share the Care," featuring random acts of kindness throughout the Wausau community, along with giveaways and special promotions for members.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports At the WIAA Division 2 Regional Track & Field Meet in Medford Tuesday, the Hatchets withstood a two-hour, 45-minute weather delay to have ten total events make the sectional meet. On the girls' side, Tomahawk will have five athletes compete. Taking the regional title in the 200 and 400 meter runs was Elise Gibeault with times of 26.19 and 57.28 seconds, respectively. For the second straight year, Alicia Voermans would advance to the sectional round in the Pole Vault. Voermans also qualified for sectionals in the 100 meter dash. Faith Derleth would advance in the 400 meter dash, placing third. Ellie Micke took home the regional title in the high jump with a leap of five feet even. Siennah Calkins was regional runner-up in the triple jump with a leap of 33'10". Two Hatchet male athletes will compete in the sectional meet. Freshman Connor Zorn would take third in the Long Jump and the 100 meter dash. Beau Stromberg is moving on to the sectional meet in the 400 meter run, placing third with a run of 54.14 seconds. The WIAA Division 2 Track & Field Sectional Meet is Friday at Rice Lake. Opening Events begin at 4:00.

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Published on 05/26/2026 under Sports Tomahawk softball's season would end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal Tuesday at Biggs Frey Memorial Field, losing to #3 Prescott, 9-5. The Hatchets went back and forth with the Cardinals for five innings before Prescott scored the final six runs to seal the victory. Averi Petta finished three for three with two triples, a home run, and three RBIs. Camryn Kraklow and Abi Micke each came away with RBI hits on the day. Kraklow, however, would allow nine runs on seven hits and walked eight batters in the game. Tomahawk wraps up their 2026 season with an 11-11 record and a 7-8 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate Sophie Olsen, Ella Peissig, Kylie Peissig, Siennah Caulkins, and Abi Micke.

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