UW-Green Bay to Serve as Host of 2021 WIAA State Softball Tournament, June 28-30 

GREEN BAY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS | NEWS RELEASE |May 10, 2021

GREEN BAY, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will host the 2021 WIAA State Softball Tournament at newly-constructed King Park, the University and WIAA announced on Monday. UW-Green Bay and Green Bay Athletics will host 15 total games on June 28-30, including all five state championship games.

The single elimination tournament features five divisions. Eight teams qualify in Division 1 and four each in Divisions 2, 3, 4 and 5. All teams are seeded in each of the divisional brackets.

“We are both thrilled and appreciative to be hosting the WIAA State Softball Tournament this summer,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “This event will welcome fans from throughout the state of Wisconsin, showcasing our beautiful campus and the brand-new King Park.”

The event will welcome fans and communities from across the state of Wisconsin to the UW-Green Bay campus. Each day is expected to draw over 500 fans. Ticketing information will be released later.

“The WIAA is so appreciative of the UW-Green Bay staff and leadership,” Assistant Director Stephanie Hauser said. “They have been welcoming and accommodating in helping us plan and host this event on campus.

“The beautiful, new collegiate venue will provide the perfect setting for the culmination of the 2021 WIAA softball season,” she continued. “Green Bay as a host city for the volleyball and girls basketball State Tournaments has welcomed our teams and communities, and we look forward to those same experiences with the State Softball Tournament this year.”

Completed in 2021, King Park includes a full synthetic turf field, LED lights, state of the art sound system, batting cages, bullpen and press box. It serves as the only full turf field in the Horizon League and with a state-of-the-art drainage system allows for quick resumption of play.

For more information on the WIAA State Softball Tournament and its history, click here.

Bay Port High School will also host four games on Monday, June 28.

2021 State Softball Tournament
Monday-Wednesday, June 28-30
UW-Green Bay & Bay Port High School

Monday, June 28 @ Bay Port High School
8 a.m      Division 1 Quarterfinal (Seed #2 vs. Seed #7) or (Seed #3 vs. Seed #6)*
10 a.m.   Division 1 Quarterfinal (Seed #2 vs. Seed #7) or (Seed #3 vs. Seed #6)*
Noon      Division 1 Quarterfinal (Seed #1 vs. Seed #8) or (Seed #4 vs. Seed #5)*
2 p.m.     Division 1 Quarterfinal (Seed #1 vs. Seed #8) or (Seed #4 vs. Seed #5)*

Monday, June 28 @ UW-Green Bay
9 a.m.     Division 5 Semi-final (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
11 a.m.   Division 5 Semi-final  (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
2 p.m.     Division 1 Semi-final – Winners 8 a.m./10 a.m.
4 p.m.     Division 5 Championship
7 p.m.     Division 1 Semi-final – Winners Noon./2 p.m.

Tuesday, June 29 – all games @ UW-Green Bay (Bay Port if needed)
8 a.m.         Division 4 Semi-final (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
10 a.m.      Division 4 Semi-final (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
Noon          Division 3 Semi-final (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
2 p.m.         Division 3 Semi-final (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
4:30 p.m.   Division 4 Championship
7 p.m.         Division 3 Championship

Wednesday, June 30 – all games @ UW-Green Bay (Bay Port H.S. if needed)
10 a.m.    Division 2 Semi-final  (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
Noon        Division 2 Semi-final (Seed #1 vs. Seed #4) or (Seed #2 vs. Seed #3)*
3 p.m.      Division 1 Championship
6 p.m.      Division 2 Championship

* Based upon geography and determined at State Seed Meeting on June 24, 2021

About the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Established in 1965, UW-Green Bay is a public institution serving 8,970 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students and 79,604 continuing education enrollees each year across all campus locations. We educate students from pre-college through retirement and offer 200+ degrees, programs and certificates. UW-Green Bay graduates are resilient, inclusive, sustaining and engaged members of their communities, ready to rise to fearlessly face challenges, solve problems and embrace diverse ideas and people. With four campus locations, the University welcomes students from every corner of the world. In 2020, UW-Green Bay was the fastest growing UW school in Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.

About the WIAA
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, as defined by its Constitution, is a voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The Association membership has a diversified membership of public high schools, nonpublic high schools, public middle schools, and nonpublic middle schools.

The purpose of the Association is…
… to organize, develop and control an interscholastic athletic program that will promote the ideals of its membership and the opportunities for member schools’ participation.
…to emphasize interscholastic athletics as a partner with other school activities in the total education process, and to formulate and maintain policies that will cultivate the high ideals of good citizenship and sportsmanship.
…to promote uniformity of standards in interscholastic athletic competition, and prevent exploitation by special interest groups of the school program and the individual’s ability.

UWGB athletic director Charles Guthrie expected to take Akron opening

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay suddenly is looking for a new athletic director. According to sources, Charles Guthrie is expected to be named AD at Akron University, an NCAA Division I school in Ohio, as soon as Tuesday.

Source: UWGB athletic director Charles Guthrie expected to take Akron opening

More coverage, here:

UWGB committed to ‘sustainable, competitive Division I athletic program’ after Guthrie departure, Press-Gazette, May 4

UW-Green Bay’s Charles Guthrie named Akron University’s Athletic Director, WFRV, May 4

UWGB athletic director Guthrie leaving, Fox 11, May 4

Home Sweet Home for Green Bay softball

For one team, it’s back to normal… almost. The Green Bay women’s softball program has been back in action since the end of February, and has some late-season home games ahead at King Park, the newly renovated softball facility is a gorgeous addition just waiting for a post-pandemic ceremony to celebrate. The team played its first game there on March 20, after four years on the road! GreenBayPhoenix.com has the full softball schedule listed. Go Phoenix!

Mark King, Bay Tek, Bay Industries, Bruce Bell, the Dahlin Family, Jim Growt, Jim Wochinske and the UW-Green Bay Foundation played key roles in helping bring the facility to fruition.

UW-Green Bay alumni rallying around Jason Blohm

Many on the Green Bay campus and in the community will remember Jason Blohm ’01 who served as the tallest Phoenix Mascot in Phoenix history. Blohm worked as a career counselor in UW-Green Bay’s Career Services office as well, from 2002-2003. Blohm has had to undergo critical emergency medical care recently. Friends and alumni are asking for support via the Helping Jason Blohm Heal page.

Discussion with Charles Guthrie, Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay – The Vault Blog | Nicolet Bank

Anthony Wilhelms hosts a discussion with Charles Guthrie, Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and Mike Steppe, SVP Chief Investment Officer at Nicolet National Bank joined the webinar. Topics include:

  • Why the Division 1 athletic designation matters for UW-Green Bay and the community
  • How to do more with less
  • Small and Mighty-A look inside the operations of college athletics
  • Pods of Excellence-Leadership and management for professional growth
  • Values and strategies for student athletes

Source: Discussion with Charles Guthrie, Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay – The Vault Blog | Nicolet Bank

Green Bay Basketballl Update

The Green Bay men’s basketball team notched its first win under Coach Will Ryan on Saturday against Youngstown State. The 79-69 win included a career-high performance from PJ Pipes. YSU was slated to finish second in the Horizon League’s preseason poll, and it was the first loss the Penguins suffered at home this season.

Green Bay regained the lead with 3:33 to play when Lucas Stieber (Green Bay Southwest), nephew of GB Hall-of-Famer only Bennett, was able to save a ball which seemed destined for the sidelines and find an open Pipes for triple. Pipes fifth three-pointer of the game gave the Phoenix a 66-65 lead.

Green Bay returns home this weekend to face Oakland at the Kress Center, taking the hardwood against the Golden Grizzlies on Friday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan.9 with both games scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip. For the latest and most up-to-date information on Green Bay Athletics and Green Bay Men’s Basketball, please visit GreenBayPhoenix.com.

Green Bay women win two straight

The Green Bay women’s basketball program is righting the ship with two straight wins over Oakland University. The Phoenix appeared to return to form with the return of Hailey Oskey, who poured in a career high 24 points on the best shooting game of her career in the 92-61 win. Oskey rejoined the team after battling early-season injuries. The Phoenix held off Oakland in overtime on Jan. 1.

Green Bay hosts Detroit Mercy Friday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Kress Center. No fans are allowed. Both games are at 11 a.m.

 

Photo of an UW-Green Bay student-athlete wearing a ‘Nix the Vid face mask to help keep the UW-Green Bay community safe!

| Video

Video: Student-athletes press on to ‘Nix the Vid

UW-Green Bay student-athletes have worked together to ‘Nix the Vid and help keep the UW-Green Bay community safe. It’s been a year of pressing on during the pandemic but these Green Bay athletes are not allowing COVID-19 to hold them back! Members of the Phoenix family take pride in protecting themselves and others by following the 3 Ws—wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance. https://www.uwgb.edu/phoenix-forward/. Go Phoenix!

 

 

UW-Green Bay unveils new Phlash caricature; items now available at The Phoenix Bookstore

Phlashing the Phoenix


Phlash—at least cartoon Phlash—has taken on the characteristics of a Fighting Phoenix… tough, tenacious, and proud! Katie Stephenson ‘2020 (Design Arts) created the new artwork with some direction from Green Bay Athletics, The Phoenix Bookstore, Marketing and University Communication and campus leadership.

Stephenson was a graphics design assistant for the Office of Marketing and University Communication when she was given the assignment in spring of 2020 to create a caricature of the Phlash mascot to be used for new merchandise.

“My goal was to give something both adults and kids could connect to and take pride in while supporting our school and athletics at UW-Green Bay,” said Stephenson. “I like that it is more modern and representative of our mascot. Phlash is fun, sparky, and unique. This mascot illustration is representative of that and I hope it gives something people can really connect with.”

Katie Stephenson

Stephenson’s inspiration was from her personal experience in Athletics (Swimming and Diving) and the embodiment of Phlash’s personality.

“Phlash has some really great characteristics that draw people in and to our athletic events. I tried to embody that in the illustration.”

Stephenson is ecstatic to see her work around campus.

“There is no better feeling than seeing all my work in public! Especially with this project, it brought it to a whole other level when I saw it being used all over campus. It’s my favorite part of the job, I get to take pride in the work that I put into the project once I see it in public. Each time I see this project I am reminded of how nervous I was taking it on but also how fun and challenging it was to make along the way!”

She said she was so engaged in the process, that she couldn’t stay away from the marketing office until it was completed.

“It was an absolute blast! My supervisor and others were extremely kind and patient. I’m sure after my first extremely rough few sketches they were just as nervous as I was. But half way through after a lot of editing and refinement we could all look back and admire the process and maybe giggle at the first few rough drawings.”

The project also helped Stephenson with her professional portfolio, and landing her first job, right out of college, as a designer for American Tent.

“While my portfolio is very well rounded with many projects from my classes this was my star project. I have gotten some great feedback on it, and someone took special notice in it and now I have my first job working for a great local company.”

The campus also used the new Phlash with a mask as its campaign graphic to fight COVID-19 on campus this year.

New Phlash items now available at the The Phoenix Bookstore include sweatshirts and T-shirts. On order are:

  • Onesie
  • Standard hat and visor
  • Toddler t-shirt and long sleeved – Green
  • Youth long-sleeved t-shirt- Green
  • Adult long-sleeved- Black
  • Window cling-bust
  • Stuffed animal


Story written by Sue Bodilly and Charlotte Berg, Marketing and University Communication intern

Meet (virtually) new Green Bay men’s basketball Head Coach Will Ryan today, June 11, 3-5 p.m.

Recently-named Green Bay head men’s basketball coach Will Ryan will be officially introduced at a private (but streamed) event on Thursday, June 11 at 3 p.m. Following his introductory press conference, Ryan talks with the “voice of the Phoenix” Brian Kuklinski for an exclusive 1-on-1 interview at approx. 4 p.m. Both events will be streamed at no cost on Facebook Live on the Green Bay Phoenix Men’s Basketball page, and fans are encouraged to submit their questions to be featured during the 1-on-1 interview.

This special introductory event will be invite-only, with many health and safety restrictions in place including social distancing mandates, mask/face covering requirements, limitations on capacity, and others. Plans for future events where season ticket holders and Phoenix supporters will be able to meet Coach Ryan are being planned for the coming months, health and safety dependent. Stay tuned to greenbayphoenix.com, @gbphoenixmbb and season ticket holder emails for more information.

Ryan was announced as the eighth head coach in program history this past Sunday. View the full release here.

UW-Green Bay basketball programs forced to adjust to new normal with coronavirus

It probably would be a good time for University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men’s basketball coach Linc Darner to take his dogs on a few more walks.

Or maybe for women’s basketball coach Kevin Borseth to go on a couple of extra fishing trips.

There isn’t quite as much to do these days after the NCAA recently enacted a dead period for recruiting that will go until at least April 15, and perhaps much longer, because of the coronavirus.

There are no in-person visits to make. No games on the AAU circuit to watch. Prospects can’t come on campus and coaches can’t go to their homes.

Even the Kress Center on UWGB’s campus, where Phoenix players work out and put up shots during the offseason, has closed its doors for the next month.

Source: UWGB basketball programs forced to adjust to new normal with coronavirus