New historical society exhibit celebrates women’s athletics history

Metro Wire Staff

Did you know that the first sporting event at the Stevens Point Normal School, now known as UWSP, was a women’s basketball game?

How about the fact that Portage County now boasts women’s Olympians, a WNBA champion, and countless state high school titles?

These stories and more will be celebrated with the launch of the newest Portage County Historical Society feature exhibit at Heritage Park in Plover, “We Just Wanted to Play: The Story of Women’s Sports in Portage County.”

The exhibit covers the early days of women’s sports in the county back to the 1890s. The passage of Title IX legislation in 1972 signaled a new era as women were now required by law to have equal educational opportunities, and that meant inclusion in athletic opportunities as well. Women across Portage County blazed the trail for the rich female sporting culture that exists today.

“It’s really remarkable how many stories our volunteer exhibit committee came across in producing this
exhibit,” said John Harry, executive director of the PCHS, in a press release this week. “It’s a testament to their hard work and the tireless journey so many of these athletes have been on to bring accolades to the area.”

A special exhibit kickoff event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 1. Trailblazing athletes, and those who even made it to the world stage of competition, will be in attendance.

The exhibit, presented by Sentry Insurance, will be on display at Heritage Park, 2700 Madison Ave. in Plover, both this summer and in 2024. The park is open on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.