Today, I had the honor of recognizing South Milwaukee coaching legend Stan Druckrey with a proclamation — and declaring August 21, 2021, Coach Druckrey Day in South Milwaukee.
Congratulations, Stan! I have had the pleasure of getting to know Coach Druckrey well in recent years, and he is an amazing example of the impact teachers and coaches can have on peoples’ lives. Case in point: The alumni in the photo of the above, who came back to race (and honor their former coach) on Saturday.
Here’s to another 50 years, coach!
From the proclamation, shared ahead of the start of the annual Alumni Meet at Grant Park …
August 21, 2021: Coach Druckrey Day in South Milwaukee
WHEREAS, Stan Druckrey has been guiding young athletes in the City of South Milwaukee for five decades; including as head boys’ and girls’ cross-country coach for 50 years and head girls’ track-and-field coach for 45 seasons; and
WHEREAS, during Stan’s tenure as cross-country coach, he has had at least one individual or team participate in the WIAA state championships for 22 of the past 23 years, guiding Lauren Kleppin to an individual state title in 2006 and Jordan Janusiak to a fifth-place finish in 2017. Coach Druckrey’s top team results at the state meet were a third-place finish for the boys in 2017 and sixth for the girls in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Stan has also had a distinguished career in guiding track athletes, with at least one Rocket girl qualifying for the WIAA meet in 42 of his 45 seasons. This includes state champion Sue Spaltholz in the 440-yard dash in 1979; and
WHEREAS, Stan is an accomplished track athlete himself. He is on the UW-La Crosse Wall of Fame, where he ran hurdles and sprints and still holds nine school records, reaching the semifinals in qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team as a hurdler in 1972. Stan is also a member of USA Track & Field’s Masters Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Coach Druckrey is also a dedicated member of his community, holding the position of physical education teacher at South Milwaukee High School for 32 years before his retirement in 2003. He has been married to his wife Nancy for 52 years and they have two children, Amy and Tom; and
WHEREAS, Stan’s passion for coaching and dedication to his students and athletes have positively impacted countless lives throughout the years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Erik Brooks, and the Common Council of the City of South Milwaukee do hereby congratulate Coach Stan Druckrey on his many years of service to South Milwaukee students, athletes, and the community, and are proud to declare August 21, 2021, Coach Druckrey Day in the City of South Milwaukee.
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