Don Richards

In my never flagging efforts to inform the public, I offer the following: Groucho Marx's daughter, Anya, was an Olympic runner long ago. But did you know that to this day her name is honored at the beginning of every race in the United States? An amazing bit of trivia. And how many times has Steve Stocker, now the Associate Athletics Director-Business Affairs and former track star at UWRF, heard her name announced? Only he can answer that difficult question.

Stocker participated in track & field and football in high school (Cannon Falls, Minn.) and while competing in track at UWRF, was named an All American in 1993 (400m hurdles, outdoor) and 1994 (4x4 relay, indoor). He also still holds the UWRF outdoor record (400 hurdles, 51.45) and other high place finishes in various events listed in Knowles Arena. After graduation from high school, he was a student athlete at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, SD, where he participated in track & field. But then, "I decided to transfer to UW-River Falls primarily because my high school sweetheart, Wendy, was attending UWRF. After a year apart, we agreed that one of us would transfer to the other's school. Since DWU is a private institution and more expensive than UWRF, the practical choice was for me to move to Wisconsin and this turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life."

At UWRF Stocker prospered: "I found a supportive, welcoming community. My professors, coaches, and teammates created an environment where I thrived. I also had the opportunity to work as a student employee in the Knowles Field House and Hunt Ice Arena, which laid the foundation for my future career in Athletics and Recreation. In 1997, I was hired full-time as the Assistant Manager of Intramural Sports. The following year, I became the Director of the Hunt Ice Arena, Knowles Field House and intramural complex. Over the past 33 years, I've worn many hats, including those of a facility director, recreation director, track and field coach, and now the Associate Athletic Director. I've been incredibly fortunate to have had such a diverse and fulfilling career at UWRF."

Stocker's extensive participation and success in a wide variety of sports in high school gave him a number of valuable life lessons. They include the value of hard work, and the importance of being a positive member of a team and of society, which, he says, paved the way to his current duties at UWRF. In his role as Associate Athletic Director, he participates in strategic planning, budget and staff development, fund raising, compliance with policies, bylaws, and regulations, and risk management protocols. In addition, he supervises staff members, handles purchasing and contracts, supports coaches and student athletes, and provides event management support.

As have many other Falcon coaches, Stocker rates UWRF's facilities as among the best in the region, surpassing several Division 2 and some Division 1 facilities. He is emphatic in saying "our facilities play a crucial role in recruiting ALL STUDENTS, not just student athletes. They create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that enhances the overall student experience, making UWRF an attractive choice for student-athletes seeking a holistic and fulfilling college life." Good as they are, the facilities are constantly being evaluated.

"Currently, we are developing the Athletics and Recreation Facilities Capital Master Plan, which will encompass all indoor and outdoor athletic and recreation facilities. One of our highest priorities in the immediate future is the replacement of aging turf, track, and seating at David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field, as well as addressing several deficiencies in both our indoor and outdoor facilities. One of the greatest needs is indoor turf for our teams to practice on. An indoor covered turf facility would be an incredible asset for our coaches and student athletes, especially given the department's growth over the past 10 years."

Athletics and top-notch facilities have had other positive effects, according to Stocker. They have had a "remarkably positive impact on enrollment at UWRF, especially during a period when overall campus enrollment has declined since 2017. In contrast, the number of student athletes has grown significantly, increasing by over 200 students in the past eight years, reaching a peak of 550 unique student athletes this year. This growth can be attributed to several strategic initiatives, including the intentional addition of new sports programs such as women's lacrosse, e-sports, men's baseball, and men's soccer. These additions have not only diversified our athletic offerings but also attracted a broader range of students to our campus. Moreover, many of our existing teams have expanded their roster sizes, further contributing to the increase in student athlete enrollment.

"Participation in athletics serves as a significant draw for prospective students, offering them the opportunity to continue their athletic careers while receiving a quality education. This combination is appealing to many students and their families, making UWRF an attractive choice. By enhancing our athletic programs and facilities, we continue to support the university's mission and contribute to the overall vibrancy and growth of our campus community."

Student athletes make valuable contributions to the student body, Stocker says: "They are a tremendous asset. They bring diverse perspectives, strong work ethics, and leadership skills that significantly enrich our campus community. Their participation in athletics offers numerous benefits, both personally and academically, providing our students with the opportunity to develop critical life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These attributes are not only invaluable in sports but also translate to success in their personal and professional lives. Balancing academics and athletics teaches them effective time management and prioritization skills, preparing them to excel in various aspects of life beyond university. Moreover, student-athletes often serve as leaders on campus, promoting a culture of excellence, and perseverance. Their commitment to their sport and studies inspires their peers and contributes to a vibrant, engaged, and dynamic campus environment. Overall, the presence of student athletes at UWRF positively impacts the entire student body and prepares them to be well-rounded, successful individuals."

Finally, continuing my non-stop efforts to pass on valuable tidbits of useful information, I offer this conundrum: If a TV weatherman has cataracts are his forecasts partly cloudy? Mull that one over but don't let it keep you awake.