Prior to Title IX, the entire women's athletic budget at WMU was $1,000, growing to $10,000 the year after Title IX passed (1973-74). By the 1978-79 academic year, WMU began offering female athletic scholarships. Growth continued in the 1980's and through the 1990's, when Western Michigan made a serious financial commitment to women's sports. Today, female athletics account for nearly half of WMU's $25 million-dollar intercollegiate budget. (wmubroncos.com)
To commemorate the landmark changes that began 40 years ago, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is celebrating the anniversary by featuring 40 great moments in women's athletics at WMU. Some feature individuals, such as the piece about Jean Friedel, who has been unofficially tagged the 'Mother of women's athletics at WMU':
The legendary pioneer founded and served as the first coach of five different programs - basketball, field hockey and volleyball (all three established in 1960), as well as gymnastics (est. 1969) and track & field (1972). She also filled in as coach for the golf and synchronized swimming programs, heading up seven different sports during her tenure.
When Friedel came to Western Michigan from Illinois State as a physical education teacher in 1960, programs were being started from scratch. Basic equipment had to be obtained (field hockey sticks, volleyballs, basketballs, etc.) and facilities (locker rooms, practice areas) had to be secured. On top of this, there was little to no funding, making resources hard to come by.
WMUBRONCOS.com is also featuring great achievements by teams, such as the Bronco Gymnastics team from 1986-87. Both teams earned MAC Championships under then coach (now Athletic Director) Kathy Beauregard:
The Mid-American Conference began hosting women's gymnastics championships in 1981, and it did not take Western Michigan long to position itself at the top under a young, ambitious coach named Kathy Beauregard.
After finishing as runners-up in 1985, which earned Beauregard her first of two-straight MAC Coach of the Year honors, Western Michigan claimed its first gymnastics championship in 1986, and repeated with a second title in 1987.
The 40 in 40 Tribute began on July 24 and will feature a new highlight in Bronco Women's Athletics each day, for 40 days. To see the list of current features, click the link below. Don't forget to check back to see what else makes the list!
WMUBRONCOS.COM— A BRONCO TRIBUTE TO TITLE IX