Chippewa Valley Times

Sue and Roger Tietz have been honored with the 2024 Jim Mueller Blugold Spirit Award. The couple, known for their presence at UW-Eau Claire women's basketball games, received the award during the Blugold Hall of Fame banquet on Friday.

The Jim Mueller Blugold Spirit Award is named after its first recipient, Jim Mueller, who passed away on June 18 at age 87. The award acknowledges individuals or groups not employed by the university who have shown long-term support for the Blugold athletics program. Recipients must demonstrate significant interest in and concern for student-athletes and coaches.

The Tietzes are regular attendees at both home and away games of the Blugold women's basketball team. Head coach Tonja Englund noted that since her tenure began in 2000, Sue and Roger have traveled with the team on nearly every trip. They once rented a van to travel to Holland, Michigan to watch a game against Hope College, earning them the nickname "Fans in the Vans."

Sue Tietz expressed their dedication to following Blugold sports: "because we enjoy seeing young athletes develop into great athletes." She highlighted how UWEC provides opportunities for growth in sports, education, and life. She also mentioned that coaches encourage players to become responsible adults.

Englund praised Sue and Roger as "extremely active and supportive volunteers" who serve as role models for student-athletes. She emphasized their efforts to welcome new players and build relationships with them and their families.

For 15 years, Sue has served on the advisory board of Blugold women's basketball. She is also a founding member of the Fast Break Club which raises over $30,000 annually for the program. This funding allows coaching staff to schedule trips across the country for competitive play.

The Tietzes are well-known in Eau Claire as city natives who graduated from North High School. Sue graduated from UWEC in 1971 while Roger played baseball there as a freshman. He continues playing Senior Softball competitively.

Currently serving as President, CEO, and CFO of McDonough Manufacturing—a family business—Sue started working there as a ninth grader. Roger worked at UniRoyal for 17 years before retiring. The couple has two children residing in Eau Claire along with grandchildren and a great-grandchild.