Packers and WIAA name September “Crew of the Month” for high school football officiating

The Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) have announced their September “Crew of the Month,” spotlighting an officiating group recognized for professionalism on the high school football field. The honor is designed to acknowledge officials whose on-field decisions reflect the values of objectivity, fairness, and commitment to the game.

The selected crew members are Josh Gould, Shannon Rysewyk, Gerald Lang, Jeason Thomas, and Ben Leibl. The Packers and WIAA said the group was chosen based on how they conduct themselves during games, emphasizing how officials carry out their responsibilities rather than focusing on any single contest or outcome.

For high school football, the quality of officiating can shape the tone of a matchup. Close games often hinge on whether penalties are called consistently and whether officials maintain a steady pace and clear communication as play moves quickly from snap to whistle to the next series.

The “Crew of the Month” recognition fits into a broader effort to reinforce expectations for officials within Wisconsin’s high school football structure. By pairing a major professional franchise with the state’s governing body for high school athletics, the program also offers a public platform for recognizing the work that occurs across Friday night schedules throughout the season.

While the announcement does not detail specific calls or game situations, it does provide a clear window into what the partners value: fair officiating, impartial judgment, and a commitment to the standards of the role. In practical terms, those traits are what coaches, players, and administrators typically ask for when disputes arise or when tempers flare as stakes increase.

For the officials on the crew, the recognition places them in a continuing spotlight as the season progresses. For fans and schools, it also serves as a reminder that officiating is not merely procedural, it is part of how the sport maintains credibility at the varsity level.

Looking ahead, the next monthly selection will likely continue to offer similar recognition criteria. Officials and local athletic administrators across Wisconsin will be watching for whether future crews are also highlighted for conduct that aligns with the same themes of objectivity and fairness.