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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

Snowmobile Safety: Local Clubs Important Resource for Trail Updates

Published on 01/14/2026 under News Local snowmobile clubs are encouraging riders 'know before they go' and check routes before heading out. It's International Snowmobile Safety Week, and local stakeholders are sharing messages to ensure a safe ride for everyone on the trails this riding season. A sport like snowmobiling is heavily reliant on conditions and occasionally this requires temporary trail closures or re-routes to accommodate changing conditions. For example, this past weekend, the Northwoods Passage snowmobile club, which maintains trails near Tomahawk, had to move a trail on Lake Nokomis after an area of the channel opened up. Other clubs have had to make similar changes due to factors such as slush and ice heaves. One of the best ways to stay up to date on these types of trail changes is from the local clubs who maintain them. Updates are typically posted to social media accounts, and some clubs also maintain websites or blogs. Whether you're riding your local trails, or visiting a new area to explore, it's a good idea to check-in with the clubs. It's important to stick on the marked trails for not only safety reasons, but to also respect the landowners who allow trails to cross their properties. Northwoods Passage Snowmobile Club Facebook PageKnight Owls Snowmobile Club Facebook Page

Published on 01/14/2026 under News Respiratory illness has been on the rise in Northern Wisconsin, and the Langlade County Health Department is the latest agency to join in the call for people to protect not only themselves but vulnerable populations. The Wisconsin DHS respiratory illness tracker is reporting the Northern Region has 'very high' activity for influenza and 'high' activity for COVID-19. While RSV remains 'low' activity, the numbers have been trending upwards. Karen Marten, Langlade County Health Department Public Health Nurse says, "As we continue to see respiratory illness in our communities, we encourage everyone to take steps that protect not only themselves but also their friends, family and community." This includes getting a flu shot, but also regularly washing hands, covering coughs and staying home when ill. While many people experience mild to moderate symptoms, older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

Published on 01/14/2026 under News Some of the top vocalists in the Midwest, including some students from Tomahawk, wrapped up a two-day, crash-course in choir. Six THS students were invited to participate in this year's Dorian Vocal Festival held this past weekend. Each January, student vocalists from around 300 schools converge on the campus of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. This year more than 900 students took part. The Tomahawk School District highlighted the six THS students selected: Greta Kurth, Jayden Dellinger, Ayla Lewison, Sadie Ruder, Galen Schmidt, and Dorian Stefan. The festival got underway Sunday. Participants took part in break-out sessions and small group instruction. Then Monday evening, all students came together for a full group performance, more than 900 voices strong. The Grand Concert is available to stream on the Luther College Music Department's YouTube Channel.

Published on 01/14/2026 under News The Tomahawk School District is looking to upgrade the scoreboard at their field house and will explore business partnerships to fund the project. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board approved a recommendation the district to pursue and secure advertising sponsorships to fund the purchase and installation of a video scoreboard in the Field House. This came after a brief presentation from District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry. The district has been working with scoreboard manufacturer Daktronics to provide the upgraded tech. Quesinberry anticipated the scoreboard could be funded through five years of ad revenue at various sponsorship levels based on prominence. Board member Dave Long, who served on the committee pursuing the project, noted that in addition to enhancing field house events, it could also be an opportunity 'to get more kids involved' referring to some of the video production opportunities. And working with a company like Daktronics, whose equipment is widely used could even provide training opportunities for students beyond campus. The Board briefly suggested similar advertising funded opportunities for improvements in the pool area. After some additional conversation, the Board approved the pursuit of sponsorship and to continue exploring this project.

Published on 01/14/2026 under News Wisconsin is well known for its fishing, whether casting a line in the summer, or setting a tip-up during the winter. It takes work and investment to maintain a strong fishery and the DNR will be highlighting some of those efforts. Over the next two months, staffers will be ten conversations on various fishing topics, specifically focusing on northern waters. For example, a Rhinelander session on February 12 will focus on 35 Years Of Fisheries Management In Wisconsin's Ceded Territory. Another session January 27 will highlight trout management in Forest and Florence Counties. In addition to the in-person component, all of the conversations will be coupled with virtual opportunities allowing online attendance. The first of the ten discussions actually begins this evening with a conversation on walleye and sturgeon in the Fox River Valley. A full list of these fishery sessions is available on the DNR website.

Published on 01/14/2026 under News Some of the top senior golfers in the world will visit North Central Wisconsin in the coming years for major tournaments. The United States Golf Association announced that Sentry World in Stevens Point will host the 2028 US Senior Women's Open and 2034 Men's Senior Open Championship. The Champions Tour features some of the top golfers in the world age 50 and older including household names like John Daly, Fred Couples, Annika Soresnstam, and Wisconsin's own Steve Stricker. The announcement comes of the course hosted the 2023 Senior Open. John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer said in the announcement, "We are excited to return to SentryWorld and the state of Wisconsin to conduct these two premier senior events." Mike James, SentryWorld General Manager. "The 2023 U.S. Senior Open showed that the course can challenge the best players in the world when called upon. Hosting two more USGA championships keeps our focus and attention on maintaining the best version of SentryWorld as possible." The tournament will also bring an immediate boost to local businesses and the local economy during the events, while also showcasing the area as a golf destination for those tuning in on TV.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports The winning ways continued for Tomahawk Hockey Tuesday night as they would defeat fellow Division 1 opponent Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln at SARA Park, 5-2. After allowing the first goal in the first two minutes of the game, the Hatchets rolled off three in the first period to go ahead for good. Four different Hatchets found the back of the net. Jonah Dickens had two goals on the night. Jake Albert, Beau Stromberg, and Cole Peterson each scored. Tomahawk now stands at 12-3 on the season after the victory. The Hatchets have their fifth game in eight days coming up Thursday at SARA Park against Great Northern Conference foe Medford. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' basketball squad would struggle at Great Northern Conference Powerhouse Mosinee Tuesday night, losing 68-20. Tomahawk would struggle offensively, putting up just four points in the first half. Anita Ziert led the way with ten points on the night, The Hatchets played their second game without starting guard Lizzy Long. The Hatchets fall to 8-4 on the season and 3-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk heads back out on the road Friday night for another GNC Showdown at Medford. Tip-off is at 7:15.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys basketball squad continued their rough season on the court Tuesday night, losing at home to Great Northern Conference foe Mosinee, 75-20. The Hatchets would struggle offensively, scoring just nine first half points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-9 on the season and 0-5 in Great Northern Conference action. The Hatchets are back at home Friday night to take on Great Northern Conference foe Medford. Tip is at 7:15.

Published on 01/14/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's female wrestlers came away with their second consecutive first-place scramble finish in back-to-back days at Edgar Tuesday night. The Hatchets came away with five first-place individual finishes. The top finishes came from Kylie Peissig, Abbie Rosenmeier, Lillian Taves, Cadence Thompson, and Aubrey Tollefson. The Hatchets now have three top-two finishes across four invites. The Hatchets travel to the other side of the state for a quad at Shawano Thursday. Events begin at 5:00.

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