Published: Dec. 18, 2013
By NICHOLAS DETTMANN
Daily News Sports Editor
More than 70 parents gathered in the West Bend East and West
Bend West cafeterias looking for ways to enhance the athletic experience for
their son and/or daughters and change the culture of West Bend athletics.
“We’re always looking to improve our programs,” West
Athletic Director Scott Stier told a group of Spartans parents Monday night.
The discussion was lively, passionate and respectful,
lasting well beyond the 60 minutes originally slated. The West meeting didn’t
end until close to 9:30 p.m.
“There is a lot of passion for West Bend West athletics,”
Stier said. “There are some simple things that I think we can do to tweak to
make it even better at West.”
It was the first time East or West hosted an open forum such
as Monday’s to discuss the future of athletics at the high schools.
“I learned that our parents have a lot of great ideas and it
was a very good meeting,” East Athletic Director Jeff Rondorf said. “I enjoyed
it. I enjoyed listening to them and their thoughts. I thought their ideas were
excellent. For the first time doing it, I was very happy.”
“We thought this was one more way where we could get
qualitative feedback from your stakeholders,” Stier said. “People who are going
to show up on cold, snowy Monday night are passionate.”
So, what was discussed?
East and West parents were given a questionnaire with seven
questions:
■ What
can we do to improve participation?
■ How
can we improve communication?
■ What
are ways to improve the reputation and perception of athletics in West Bend?
■ What
do we need to know that (the athletic administration) may not know regarding
East or West athletics?
■ What
do you and your athlete need for support during the offseason?
■ What
are some suggestions on ways to improve team culture?
■ What
are some suggestions on how to improve your child’s
experience in athletics and the quality of the programs?
A common theme was school pride and spirit. In addition, the
desire to be competitive was made known.
On the other side, parents believed many coaches aren’t
advocates of multi-sport athletes, instead of “multiseason athletes” as one
parent called it, which, in turn, puts the athletes in a tough spot.
The parents also believe even though offseason workouts
aren’t mandatory, the student-athletes are looked down on if they don’t
participate in them, especially if the studentathlete is involved in a sport at
the time of those workouts. And the unique situation of West Bend having two
high schools in one building was also questioned.
One parent challenged the parents and community members to
stop accepting mediocrity.
“Our competitors laugh at us,” one parent said.
Rondorf and Stier believed the meeting was a success as they
continue to try to enhance the athletics opportunities in West Bend.
“We just want what’s best for our kids and how we can
improve our programs,” Rondorf said. “School spirit is a big issue; there
weren’t many answers,” Stier said. “But the necessity to get the community
engaged and get people to our events, which is something has been a focus of
mine since stepping into this role. We haven’t been nearly as successful as I
would like. I’m always looking for ways to accomplish that goal.”
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