From the Executive Director
After 18 years in the position of Executive Director of the WFCA, I have developed a very guilty feeling for taking all the credit for the development of the current WFCA office. I speak of my bride who still is my home office secretary and performs her tasks admirably. For the first four years, Marge served as my only secretary and performed all the duties now performed by Chama Kelsey, Mary Ann Hamshire and Priscilla Orvold. Before we developed our current WFCA office at Poynette everything was out of our home in Monona, where we received on an average of 600 phone calls a month - a duty in itself. Marge is as committed to the function and success of the WFCA as she was to the Monona Grove football team during our coaching days. She maintains that she still called most of the TD's during those wonderful years.
Margie is still very busy running the home office of the WFCA, but has an easier load now that she is assisted by Chama. I wanted to thank her for her exemplary years of service to the WFCA and for her to hear what a very im- portant position she has filled in the develop- ment of the most successful Association in the U.S. I also would like to thank Chama for the wonderful work she continues to this day, and to Priscilla and Ken Orvold who do our printing for their assistance and commitment to the WFCA. This is a very small work force to do the work of our organization, but no state as- sociation has an office and staff as concerned and committed to the WFCA success as they are. Margie Rundle, Chama Kelsey and Ken and Priscilla Orvold, the WFCA membership thanks you very much.
"WFCA Good Works Team"
Good Guys Doing Good Works
I am copying a page from the AFCA as I would like to develop a section in our newsletter to identify student athletes in our state schools who serve their communities and make a difference for others less fortunate than themselves. If you know of anyone who fits this brief description, please send us the information.
I speak of such things as student athletes who have touched the lives of many; some have even saved lives. Some athletes volunteer, fundraise, or donate to charity foundations. A perfect example is the work of our All-Star players and coaches who donate to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Let's get together and identify these individuals and groups so we can recognize their good work.
If we are successful in our initial attempt to identify these individuals, the next step will be to select between 5 and 10 ;individuals who
qualify and invite them to one of the WFCA's premier events to recognize their good work.
The following is an article sent to me by John Hoch, Head Football Coach at Lancaster High School which I think would be another example of what we are looking to identify.
"Two Choices"
When is not Winning, Winning?
What would you do? ... you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway.
My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who at- tended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child."
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"
I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Every- one knew that a hit was all but impossible be- cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the base line, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the way Shay"
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Run home!"
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
The following is a letter from Denise Hajos, Fundraising Manager for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The WFCA All-Star game players and coaches work tirelessly to secure contributions substantial enough to give a huge donation to the Children's Hospital each year and sustain the event. A perfect example of good works .
February 6, 2009
Dear Dick:
The smiles on the faces of kids when they start feeling better. The relief on the faces of parents when their child turns the corner on a serious illness. These are some of the rewards that those of us who work at Children's Hospital and Health System receive every day. For you, please accept our thanks on their behalf for the part you played in creating these wonders.
Children come to us for help for simple, easily curable problems like broken bones and stomach aches, to complex and life-changing conditions like cancer, immune system disorders and epilepsy. And we treat them all with a staff of nationally-recognized, caring physicians, nurses, technicians, child life specialists, nutritionists and more, all expertly trained in the specialized care of children's diseases and injuries.
Thank you for your donation of $96,406.23 from the WFCA All-Star Charity Football Game benefiting Children's Hospital, the balance of $10,626.23 will be due July 1, 2009 and applied to the 2008 event. At Children Hospital of Wisconsin, we truly value the partnership of the WFCA and all you do for Wisconsin's kids.
Best wishes,
Denise Hajos
Fundraising Manager
The following is the list of those who have made a donation to the Phil Ottney Scholarship Fund. if you would still like to participate, please send your check to the office, made out to the Phil Ottney Scholarship fund, and Chama will pass it on.
Poynette Football Coaching Staff - 25.00
Mike Olson - 25.00
Glenwood City Football Club - 100.00
Coach Ray Baranczyk, Roncalli HS - 25.00
Warren & Priscilla Rosin - 25.00
Frank Matrise, Kenosha Tremper HS - 25.00
WFCA - 300.00
Sussex-Hamilton Football Staff - 200.00
(John Damato, Head Coach,
Stan Grove, Former Head Coach)
Weyauwega-Fremont Football - 100.00
Jim Kinder - 100.00
Bob Prellwitz, Berlin HS - 20.00
Mauston Football Staff - 150.00
Evansville Football Coaching Staff - 25.00
(Ron Grovesteen, Head Coach)
Bill and Cora Quinn - 100.00
George Harrell - 100.00
Tom Bauer - 100.00
Bill Collar - 25.00
Germantown Football - 50.00 .
Phil Dobbs - 100.00
Dodgeville Football Team and Staff - 100.00
Jim Strommen, Pee-Argyle Football - 100.00
Jim Bylsma - 50.00
Osseo-Fairchild Football - 50.00
Cadott High School Football Program - 100.00
Margie and Dick Rundle - 100.00.
Keith O'Donnell, St. Croix Falls HS, (Retired) - 100.00
Middleton High School Coaching Staff - 50.00
TOTAL - 2,245.00
General Liability Insurance Program This coverage is provided to members of the WFCA free of charge. I have included a copy of the Jetter provided to me regarding the death of Ryan Owens during the 2006-2007 season. This program provides excellent coverage. The WFCA certificate of coverage has been published on page 12, and all questions should be addressed to:
Greg Joly
18 Exchange street
PO Box 2158
Glen Falls, NY 12801
Phone: 518-792-6561.
Please allow the following to serve as an up- date on the above file per your recent request The Henderson County Board of Education was dismissed from the lawsuit based on the doc- trine of governmental immunity. The plft's there after filed amended complaints naming Dr John Jenkins, the physician who performed the physical examination that cleared Ryan Owens to play football in the 2006-07 season. Various John/Jane Doe employees of the Methodist Hospital where Ryan's physical exam was performed along with Brian Bobbitt, Josh Boston and David Hargiss who were assistant football coaches at Henderson High during the 06-07 year were also named. We are now representing these newly named assistant coaches.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was unsuccessful in obtaining summary judgment earlier this year. Discovery has yet to be completed; however at some point we anticipate filing motions for summary judgment on behalf of several of the defendants; however it is unlikely we will be successful in obtaining dismissal of all.
The plaintiffs have identified Dr. Andrew Doorey, a cardiologist in Wilmington, Delaware as an expert but have yet to provide his report. It is anticipated that Doorey will testify that Owen's death was heat related and not as the result of his mitral valve
prolapse. The family has also identified and produced the report of Dr. Larry Davis a family practitioner with certification in sports medicine. It is believed that Davis will testify that Dr. Jenkins deviated from the standard of medical care in his performance of Owen's
pre-foot ball physical exam. We have retained Dr. George Nichols a former Kentucky Chief Medical Examiner, who presently practices as a consultant in forensic medicine. Dr. Nichols has reviewed all pertinent medical records, the coroners report and the medical examiner's report and he will testify that there is no evidence that Owen's death was heat related Per Def
atty- no settlement options have been explored as of this date due to plft's refusal to discuss settlement. Def atty has suggested the possibility of mediation with plft atty but nothing has been scheduled. Per def atty plft atty has shown no interest in bringing case to a conclusion.
He suspects that Ryan's parents want vindication more than dollars. We will continue to push for mediation.
WFCA Hall of Fame Members
We are looking to develop a data base for all members of the WFCA Hall of Fame. This of course would allow us to up-date members on a more frequent basis, as mailing costs prohibit us from more than a couple of mailings per year. Please send your email address if you have one to Chama at the office. Our email address is
rundled@wifca.org. Thank you!
Remember to call or email us with your clinic and Hall of Fame luncheon reservation. The clinic is March 26, 27 and 28, 2009
Sunshine Report
I was recently informed of the passing of Ron Rubick by Peter Holmes, a former assistant coach of Ron's. Ron was one of the great supporters of he WFCA and I believe won three consecutive State Championships at Manitowoc High School. He was a good friend and will be missed.
Ed Goss, former WFCA Hall of Fame Chairman, also informed me of the passing of Robert
Newhouse. Robert coached with Ed at Omro High School.
The WFCA extends our sincere condolences to both families.
WFCA Awards
The following coaches will be presented with awards at this year's spring clinic. There are other coaches receiving awards for 2008, but the following list includes only coaches receiving their awards at the Hall of Fame Banquet.
45 YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Roger Meyer, Horicon-Hustisford - 46
40 YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Keith Hensler, MukwonagolRipon College - 40
35 YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Doug Lange, Brookfield Central- 38
Jerry Sinz, Edgar - 37
Duane Rogatzki, Oconto Falls - 35
Mike Anderson, UW-LaCrosse - 35
Dan Pedersen, Elk Mound - 35
30 YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Jeff Setz, New Berlin Eisenhower - 34
Mike Taake, Mauston - 31
Tim Behrendt, Waukesha North - 31
Cal Tackes, Stratford - 30
Jim Bylsma, Cambria-Friesland - 30
Dan Rice, Ithaca - 30
Dave Bielmeier, Edgar - 30
Tom Schultz, Appleton East - 30
Bob Prellwitz, Berlin - 30
Lynn Mork, Berlin – 30
AI Bednarek, Berlin – 30
300 WINS
Jerry Sinz
Edgar High School
300th Win - October 23, 2008
Edgar 15 - Marathon 6
304-70
200 WINS
Cal Tackes
Stratford High School
200th Win - October 3, 2008
Stratford 21 - Marathon 7
207-3
John Koronkiewicz
Waupaca High School
200th Win - October 17, 2008
Waupaca 34 - Appleton Xavier 0
206-70
Please be advised that in the future if you are unable to attend the event where you will be recognized, you must make arrangements for some- one else to pick up your award for you. The costs of mailing and re-making awards has become cost prohibitive and we can no longer accommodate everyone. We have three people checking-off plates for those schools receiving plates for the All-Star game and the scholarship plaque. Be watchful of all mail from our office; as previously stated we can no longer re-do those awards.
Your Friend, Dick Rundle
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