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UW-L Athletic Traditions - Sports Spirit
Sports Spirit promotes UW-L athletics
UW-L Sports Spirit — the primary vehicle for advancing the university’s commitment to athletic excellence — begins its 18th year in support of the Eagles’ student-athletes and staff in 2004.
The success of past years demonstrates how well our teams and individuals have upheld UW-L’s rich tradition of excellence, known throughout the country. The Sports Spirit executive board and every contributor is part of that tradition.
Because student fees only go so far in supporting intercollegiate athletics at UW-L, the generous donations of time and dollars by alumni, friends and community boosters provide the margin of excellence in maintaining the university’s highly competitive program. Sports Spirit is the major fund-raising group that supports the total UW-L athletics program.
Former UW-L Athletics Director E. William Vickroy instituted the Sports Spirit campaign in 1987 with help from charter corporate members Phil Quillin and Jack Gegemeier of Quillin’s, Bill Beranek of Heileman and former UW-L Foundation Director Patrick Stephens.
Since its inception, the program has raised more than $525,000 to continue expanding the scope of the traditional athletics program, assist with awards for our national championship teams and individuals, and improve the overall experience for student-athletes.
The commitment and effort of the UW-L Sports Spirit executive board members to support the program has had a significant, positive impact on our student-athletes, coaches, staff and program, according to UW-L Director of Athletics Joe Baker. “Raising the level of visibility and support of UW-L Sports Spirit and UW-L intercollegiate athletics program remain high priorities," explains Baker. “The program’s contributions provide UW-L with the ability to recognize outstanding achievements of student-athletes and the coaching staff."
The WXOW/Sports Spirit Health and Fitness Expo is in its ninth year. UW-L hosts the family-oriented event each January. The expo features exhibit areas, demonstrations and instructional clinics. There is also a 5K race. UW-L Sports Spirit benefits through exhibitor fees and a nominal admission charge.
The Final Four Party is held at Cedar Creek Country Club the Monday evening of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship game. The event raises money for UW-L Sports Spirit through ticket sales and raffles.
Eat Out at the Outback Steakhouse is an activity, which began in the spring, 2001. The Sports Spirit Club sponsors monthly lunches at the Outback Steakhouse as a fundraiser.
The Eagle 5K is held in conjunction with the WIAA State Track & Field Meet the first weekend of June.
The Eagle Eye Golf Open is held in June as a fund-raiser for the athletics program by soliciting hole sponsors and charging participation fees.
The WKTY/UW-L Sports Spirit Club is another way for businesses and friends to become involved. Two levels of giving are available which entitles the sponsor to season tickets, advertising and public address announcements.
| 2004-05 Sports Spirit Events Calendar | |
| Oct. 16 | Sports Spirit Football Game |
| Jan. 15 | WXOW Health & Fitness Expo |
| Jan. 15 | Frozen 5K Run |
| April 4 | Final Four Party |
| May 8 | Scholar Athlete & All-American Reception |
| June 4 | Eagle 5K Run |
| June, 2005 | Eagle Eye Golf Open |
