News Summary

Sturgeon Bay is celebrating the achievements of Barb Fondow and Katie Doble, a mother-daughter duo recognized for their outstanding contributions to track and field. Barb, a trailblazer in the 1970s, paved the way for women’s sports. Her daughter, Katie, followed in her footsteps, breaking records and earning accolades despite health challenges. Both will receive honors this week, showcasing their remarkable legacy and dedication to athletics. This celebration not only recognizes their past but also inspires future generations of female athletes in Sturgeon Bay.

Sturgeon Bay Celebrates Exceptional Mother-Daughter Duo with Hall of Fame Inductions

This week, the spotlight shines brightly on the charming city of Sturgeon Bay, where a remarkable mother-daughter duo, Barb Fondow and Katie Doble, will be honored for their incredible athletic achievements. Both women have carved out stellar careers in track and field, leading them to be inducted into prestigious halls of fame.

Barb Fondow: A Trailblazer in Girls Sports

Back in the 1970s, Barb Fondow (formerly Klapatch) emerged as a dominant figure in local high school track and field at Sturgeon Bay. Her legacy is one to admire. Fondow was a three-sport athlete who wowed fans not just in track and field but also in volleyball and basketball. She played a significant role in changing the landscape for girls’ sports, a time when opportunities were limited. In fact, she was part of Sturgeon Bay’s undefeated volleyball team in 1972.

As a sophomore, Fondow contributed to Sturgeon Bay’s victory in the WIAA Class B state championship in track, finishing as a runner-up in the 80-yard hurdles and anchoring the winning 880-yard relay team. Her high school journey kept getting better! In her junior year, she qualified for three state events and made an even bigger splash during her senior season in 1974 by winning the Class B titles in both the 80 hurdles and long jump.

To this day, Fondow holds school records in the long jump, 80 hurdles, and the 220 dash at Sturgeon Bay, a testament to her athletic prowess. After high school, financial constraints held her back from pursuing collegiate sports, but she continued her athletic journey by playing intramural volleyball at UW-Green Bay. She later contributed to the sport as an assistant coach at Green Bay West, where her remarkable journey continued through her daughter.

Katie Doble: A Continuation of Excellence

Fast forward to the 2000s, and you’ll find Katie Doble (Fondow) stepping into the limelight at Green Bay West. She, too, excelled in track and field, consistently meeting the high expectations set by her family’s legacy. Doble was nothing short of a star, qualifying for the state meet every year of her high school career. Her podium finishes in the long jump are impressive—sixth as a freshman, fourth as a sophomore, second as a junior, and third as a senior.

In 2005, Doble’s athletic achievements reached new heights. Despite overcoming scoliosis throughout her childhood, where she wore a brace for 20 hours a day, she emerged victorious! Not only did she surpass her mother’s high school record in the triple jump, but she also secured four All-America awards during her time at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Doble’s determination and talent shone brightly, showing everyone what she was capable of achieving.

A Special Induction Ceremony

This week, Fondow will be honored during the Sturgeon Bay football game on September 19, alongside other sports legends such as former three-sport star and NFL player Casey Rabach and the late coach Jim Benesh, who is fondly remembered for his contributions to the Clippers. Meanwhile, Doble is set to be recognized during an induction ceremony at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on September 20, where she is among six outstanding athletes being honored.

Though the dates are close, the families have planned a joyful celebration. Fondow will make the trip to La Crosse the following morning to cheer on her daughter at her own induction ceremony. It’s a beautiful act of support that showcases the close-knit bond between them.

Continuing the Legacy

The journey doesn’t end here for Doble. Now, she plans to assist as a coach alongside her husband, John, who will take over as the coach of the Ashwaubenon track and field program. While she prefers walking as her form of exercise due to ongoing physical issues from her career, there are no regrets on her end. Doble looks back at her athletic years with pride, stating that every moment was worth it.

The legacy of both Barb Fondow and Katie Doble exemplifies hard work, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of female athletes. As Sturgeon Bay honors them, they also celebrate the opening of doors for future generations of young athletes, proving that anything is possible with dedication and love for the sport!

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