Richards, Andrew softball celebrate 50 years of Title IX

Prior to the varsity softball game between Richards and Andrew high schools, coaches, players and guests celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation mandating equal athletic opportunities for female students.

The 50th Anniversary Title IX game featured honored guests and first pitches by beneficiaries of Title IX in the classroom and softball field as well as advocates of girls and women in sports.

Those attending included advocate and award-winning sports writer Tony Baranek of the Daily Southtown, HLR graduate Dr. Carole Gorecki Fitzgerald of the Northwestern Medical Regional Medical Group, and graduate and District 218 Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds alum Lisa (Hughes) Krueger.

Guests also included Lindsey Nissan, former Richards math teacher and softball coach and current Athletics Director of Shepard High School; HLR softball alum Emily Wetzel, a graduate student and Richards softball coach; Angela Williams, educator and Richards softball coach; graduate Brian Wujcik, advocate and Richards Athletics Director.

Also, Herb Pribe, advocate, umpire and South Suburban Official Assignor; and Alyssa Guenther, Physical Education teacher and softball coach at Andrew High School; and, Richards graduate, and varsity softball coach and host, Julie Folliard.

The event featured Richards players (R to L) Bridget Murphy, Jacie Strelow, MJ Goodman, and Abby Mallo reading the language of the legislation.