Family supports W-F’s track program
By Angie Landsverk
A family with a connection to the Weyauwega-Fremont School District continues to support the high school’s track program.
When the school board met on Sept. 25, it recognized William and Mary Ellen Wurzbach for their numerous donations to the district.
District Administrator Scott Bleck said they made “significant contributions for the track and field program.”
The couple presented its first donation to the district in the spring 2012.
They donated banners for the Rohde Invitational.
Each track season, schools from throughout the area participate in the Rohde Invitational, at W-F High School.
Jered Wilson, Weyauwega-Fremont’s head track coach, said between eight and 10 schools compete in the event.
Mary Ellen is the daughter of the late Leonard Rohde, who coached at Weyauwega High School in the 1940s and 1950s.
He was a track, cross country and basketball coach, who also sewed the team’s uniforms, made the pole vaulting standards and fixed wood hurdles.
“We started doing this to memorialize Leonard,” William said of their initial and subsequent donations.
The Wurzbachs’ donations during the past several years also included hurdles, track meet event management software, general track and field program support, the pole vault pit, high jump, other equipment, as well as the Len’s corner monument, plaque, bench and grasses.
In 2015, an area at the high school’s athletic complex was named “Len’s Corner” in honor of Rohde.
The area includes a large dedication stone, plaque and bench.
“They’ve helped a lot,” Wilson said of the Wurzbachs. “It’s simply been a pleasure working with these two.”
He said as any coach knows, funding for athletic programs can be a challenge.
Wilson said he knows “when I’m in need of money or have an idea, like let’s bring the pole vault back,” he can count on the support of the Wurzbachs.
“I think he would be proud of the complex,” he said of Rohde. “It’s nothing but compliments. The kids enjoy it.”
The school board extended its appreciation to the family for its contributions to the track and field program.
It was also noted that Rohde is also among those who will inducted into the W-F Athletic Booster Club’s Hall of Fame in November.