Bio: Fenske, Linda (Phy. Ed. Teacher - 1974)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
 
Surnames: Fenske, Shupe, Graves, Lombardi

----Source: Tribune Record Gleaner (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 11/14/1974

Fenske, Linda (Physical Education Teacher - 1974)

Mingling with Mary (By Mary Woods)



Miss Linda Fenske, (middle), discusses the game of volleyball with two of the team members, Sheri Shupe, (left) and Jackie Graves, (right).

Throughout the community of Spencer last week, the excitement of the girls’ volleyball team going to the state finals was very prevalent. Now, a week later, and being defeated, the community and the school is back to normal, but the thrills, the hard work, and the dedication of the 12 girls, and one coach will long be remembered. Miss Linda Fenske, coach, brought the game to the girls only two years ago, and it seems proper and fitting that her story is told.

Born and raised in the Chili area, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Fenske of Chili. Linda attended and graduated from Marshfield High School, and Oshkosh State University with a major in Physical Education, and a minor in Music. She began teaching in the Spencer School in the fall of 1972, bringing with her the idea, and the desire to get the girls involved in sports … outside of physical education class.

“At first the girls seemed to be rather apprehensive about going out for extra sports, but once the idea, and the desire caught on, there was no problem getting the girls involved,” states Linda. “As for volleyball, most of the girls didn’t even know what the game was about, and when they caught on they really went to town, and put us where we are today.” Linda explained that last year was the first year for volleyball, and 21 girls went out, and this year a total of 44 went out with only two dropping out. Last year, the girls finished the Marawood Conference with a 2-7 record, but according to Linda, “I could see that the girls had the skill and the desire to work, and go to the top at the finish of last year’s season, and that’s what they did, and they have the team togetherness, the willingness to work, and the school pride that is needed within a winner.”

Turning away from the girls’ sports, and questioning Linda about how the boys feel about the girls being the first group in the school’s history to go to state, she comments that the boys, at least the majority of them, are very happy and proud of the girls. She notes that the boys were willing to fit their schedule of the gym for basketball practice, which was to start last week, around the girls, so they could get all the necessary practice in. The boys also saw how the girls dedicated themselves to the game, and at times came in on Sunday to practice, and perhaps this will give the boys in sports that extra push to keep on trying … even when the going gets rough. Linda also explains that the success of the girls’ team shows the boys that the girls are capable of competition, and not people who should always be on the side where the spectators are.

Linda also notes the cooperation of the administration, and the community during the past volleyball season. “In some school’s girls really find it hard to get along with the men coaches, and an administration which feels that sports are for the boys. But in Spencer everyone cooperates and is willing to share the physical educational facilities.” Commenting on the year athletic banquet, Linda notes that with the presence of the girls at the banquet it dresses up the banquet, and the sense of school pride and spirit is found.

Participating in the state tournament, the girls were one of four teams that tired for number one place in Class C. Even though they were defeated, Linda states that the girls worked with skill, and did their best. They ended the season with 6-3 record on the varsity, and an 8-1 record for the junior varsity … so perhaps many more exciting times are in store.

“You have to work hard to win anything,” states Coach Linda Fenske, and show the other team, and all the people that you are willing to do your best, and have the desire to win, and for the 12 girls that participated at the state tournament if proved that Linda’s motto pulled them to the top.

Introducing the girls to sports only two-years-ago seems to be a very short period of time to teach them the skills and the act of winning, but Linda Fenske, coach of the girls’ sports in the Spencer School, did just that and perhaps they look forward to the day when they will be number 1 at the state level, and can use the quote that the late Vince Lombardi used for his number 1 team, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”
 

 

 


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