Women's Track and Field

Furthermore, during that time, women's sports did not have the same respect from society as did men's sports. A quote from the May 11, 1965 Oshkosh Daily Northwestern states, "The WSU-O girls track team are doing their part to repudiate the current rash of theories deriding the unfit American woman as the Titanettes dominated state college women's teams this year."

In 1968, the Titanettes acquired a new track coach, Helen Briwa. When Briwa took the job many of the women's track and field athletes also wanted to play softball. During this time period, it was common for athletes to compete in multiple sports.

In 1969, Elaine Coll took over the women's track and field program. During this time, the team expanded to thirty members. They competed in the Wisconsin Women's Interscholastic Athletic Conference (WWIAC). It included all WSC schools as well as Milwaukee, Madison and Marquette.


In 1964, The Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh women's track and field team started out as an interest group. During that time, the coach was Vira Williams. She put the team into operation under the Women's Recreation Association (WRA). At that time, the team consisted of women who were mainly physical education majors. A description of the Titanettes was quoted from the May 11, 1965 Oshkosh Daily Northwestern as "the most successful women's track team in the state this season." The original members were: Caroline Milweski, Julie Horvath, Janet Schnorr, Carol Graycarek, June Behrens, Jeanne Forest, Pat Zimmerman, JoAnn Schaffer, Ellen Hopkins, Janis Schnorr and Karen Dix. While in their first season, the Titanettes set eight state records. The 440-yard relay team set a record of 59 seconds flat. Compare that to the recent 400-meter relay record of 47.53 seconds; even though the distance is approximately only two meters shorter than the 440-yard race, there is a big time difference in the record. Karen Dix tossed a 89' 9.5'' record breaker javelin throw. That distance is much shorter compared to the recent record held by Kerrie Main of 135'7''.
These past records may considerably contrast with the most recent records; however, the training, equipment, and uniforms were quite different then. The women wore tight shorts that did not allow for much movement. Their tops were similar to modern short sleeved, white, button up dress shirts with collars. Their shoes looked like indoor Adidas soccer shoes that did not have cushion or support. The records are also different because the women in 1965 did not practice as much as the present University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Titans do. Visualize practicing only three to four times a week and then hoping to perform well at meets.	Oshkosh shot-putter puts a shot in 1965
Furthermore, during that time, women's sports did not have the same respect from society as did men's sports. A quote from the May 11, 1965 Oshkosh Daily Northwestern states, "The WSU-O girls track team are doing their part to repudiate the current rash of theories deriding the unfit American woman as the Titanettes dominated state college women's teams this year." In 1968, the Titanettes acquired a new track coach, Helen Briwa. When Briwa took the job many of the women's track and field athletes also wanted to play softball. During this time period, it was common for athletes to compete in multiple sports. In 1969, Elaine Coll took over the women's track and field program. During this time, the team expanded to thirty members. They competed in the Wisconsin Women's Interscholastic Athletic Conference (WWIAC). It included all WSC schools as well as Milwaukee, Madison and Marquette.
Oshkosh trackstars (undated).	In 1972, Title IX became law. To the surprise of many, the school started to drop some women's programs. The women's teams' coaches wanted to receive compensation for the time they put into their programs, just like the men's teams' coaches did. The women were told they had to prove themselves first!
Leading the way is Deb Vercauteren, current women's track and field coach, who has been with the UW Oshkosh women's track and field team since 1982. She was named NCAA Division III Coach- of-the-Year in 1994. Under Coach Vercauteren, the Titans have won 18 WIAC titles. Hidden among Vercauteren's team accomplishments are 16 athletes who, combined, have won 24 NCAA Division III individual track and field titles.
References Briwa, Helen. (1999, February 18). Personal Interview. Titanette Track Team Sets Pace in women's Athletics. (1965, May 11). Oshkosh Daily Northwestern. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 1999 Women's Track & Field. (1999). Vercauteren, Deb. (1999, February 18). Personal Interview. Williams, Vera. (1999, March 30). Personal Interview. WSU-O Women's Track Team Sets Records. (1965, May 14). OshkoshAdvance. vol 55. p. 5.