This fall the UW-Eau Claire Athletic Department reflected on 50 years of women's athletics in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), celebrated each program's story and highlighted a few of the notables for each sport.
But we would be remiss to stop there, as there are many whose contributions behinds the scenes have made a significant impact. Last week, recently retired program assistant, Nancy Hendricks was recognized for her hard work and dedication to Blugold Athletics. This week, in honor of UW-Eau Claire's Giving Day on Tuesday, we look to some of the special people who have financially supported Blugold women's athletics.
Sue Tietz, along with her husband, Roger, have been staples at Zorn Arena. The couple not only supports Blugolds Women's Basketball through the Fast Break Club but also by showing up in the stands to cheer on their team.
"Being supporters of Blugold Women's Athletics allows us to support young women who are continuing their education and still following their dreams of playing basketball at the college level," said Sue Tietz. "We've seen the hard work they put into their athletic skills while at the same time working towards and maintaining scholastic excellence. It's gratifying to see these women working hard on and off the court."
Established by Head Coach Tonja Englund, the Fast Break Club funds many aspects of the women's basketball program to give student-athletes a high-level experience including covering all costs for travel outside the region. In addition, Englund organizes recognition events to connect Fast Break members to the team.
"Financial contributions to the Blugold basketball program support young women working hard to complete a college education while they serve as ambassadors of UW-Eau Claire," said Tietz. "As fans of the basketball program, we see firsthand how our support is at work developing student-athletes we are proud to cheer on at every game."
Another local couple, Tim and Sue Rogge, have made an impact on not just the women's basketball program, but also to the volleyball and softball teams.
Fans of Blugold sports since their arrival in Eau Claire in 1981, the Rogges were commonly seen in the stands but didn't consider themselves active supporters at that time. That changed during the 2000-01 school year when Blugold pioneer Marilyn Skrivseth, who was serving as athletic director at that time, made an appeal to the community during halftime of a women's basketball game for volunteers to work at the 2001 NCAA Softball Championship that was to be hosted by UW-Eau Claire that spring.
"What started with selling hot dogs and game tickets led naturally to friendships with coaches and exposure to other sports and the student-athletes who participate in them," said Tim Rogge. "We have also been a host family for teams coming to UW-Eau Claire for NCAA basketball and softball tournaments. Each experience allowed us to enjoy great competition, fantastic players, coaches and team fans."
"When we started donating our time and money Sue realized how important women's sports were to her. She was happy to see the growth of women's sports from the start of Title IX. If you've met her you probably have heard her say 'I went to an all-girls school and WE didn't even play sports in gym class. Women's sports started with dedicated coaches and student-athletes but very little money and fans. Anything we can do to help means my granddaughters have access to the same things as my grandsons.'"
The Rogge's quickly became an integral part of the Blugold Family.
"We volunteered that first time, because it sounded like fun, but what we learned from the experience is that Division III athletics is a family that welcomes new members with open arms," said Tim Rogge. "As we look back on 20 years as Blugold supporters, we realize that not only have we enjoyed hundreds of fantastic athletic events, but also that many of our best friendships in life are with the coaches, student-athletes, and their family members whom we have met along the way. Initially, we gave mostly of our time because we had more time than money. We've learned that anything we do is deeply appreciated. Giving financially is really just an expression of our gratitude. We get back way more than we give. So, go ahead and support Blugold Athletics. Nobody needs to know that you're really being selfish."
Not only is the financial support needed for long-standing programs, it is also needed for the three programs added to the Blugold family in 2021, including Blugold Women's Lacrosse, who are set to compete for the first time this spring.
"I took the leap as the first head coach because I felt with the support of this University and the entire alumni base, anything was possible," said Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Aubri Neubert. "The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has alumni all over the country and world. I find alumni all over the place still supporting and giving back to this University. This has helped a lot in my out-of-state recruiting especially amidst this pandemic. I have not been able to travel out of state, but I keep pushing ahead. These soon-to-be high school graduates are looking forward to the future with hope, and every call I make helps them get a little break from the crazy world we are in right now. The first time I make contact with a recruit they usually know someone who went to UWEC and has nothing but fabulous things to say. This happens constantly. It just goes to show the positive impact this university has had on so many throughout the years. No one graduates and leaves UWEC without looking back. They love to reflect on their time in Eau Claire, because UWEC is a special place with a special energy. The moment you step foot on this campus it becomes a part of you."
Neubert hopes that the new program will bring more talented student-athletics to UW-Eau Claire and help grow her sport.
"My goal with this program is to put UWEC on the map of powerhouse lacrosse programs, one that is constantly on the national stage," said Neubert. "I believe in the power of lacrosse as a sport to change people. I want to grow the sport in Wisconsin, so every school can have a team on the field giving young lacrosse players a sense of purpose, identity and belonging. In a world where so much changes so quickly, I think middle and high schoolers need a place where they can come, lace up their cleats, grab a stick and be themselves. They can learn to do hard things and do them well and learn to push through what life throws at them on and off the field. Lacrosse can help athletes gain the confidence in life that everyone needs to keep going. That is the power of lacrosse."
Like the Tietz' and Rogges, Blugold Pioneer Judy Kruckman also recogizes that giving comes in multiple forms. Kruckman dedicated years of service to the advancement of women's athletics, giving much of her time and energy to create opportunities. Now that she is retired, she makes an impact in a different way.
"My entire career was spent striving for quality opportunities for girls and women in their athletic interests and endeavors," said Kruckman. "In retirement I can continue contributing but now in a monetary way. It is also a way of showing appreciation for the educational experiences UWEC provided as well as the extracurricular activities that fostered my interest and gave me the training for future career challenges."
"It is my hope that women's athletics will develop a solid core of career women boosters, both while working and in retirement, who will 'give something back' to the program as a way of thanking a coach, or athletic trainer, or her teammates," said Kruckman. "To me, it is like saying 'thanks for a fantastic ride, and here is my financial contribution to help make the continuing journey easier.'"
In honor of the 50th anniversary celebration, Kruckman has invited others to join her in championing women's athletics with a gift to the fund that supports the future of women's athletics. Kruckman will match the first $2,000 in gifts to the Judy Kruckman Women's Athletics Opportunity Fund.
"This is my push for alumni women who were coached into athletic excellence to become committed financial supporters," said Kruckman.
In addition, other matches have been given for women's athletics, allowing those who choose to give to double their impact during the season of giving.
To make a financial contribution, visit the UWEC Giving Day website.
