We are honored to highlight Elizabeth "Betty" Cronk, who coached three sports as a Borderite, her coaching and teaching career spanning 30 years. She was inducted into the BHS Athletic Hall of Fame for 2022. The below information about her career is taken from the Induction Ceremony's program.
Elizabeth "Betty" Cronk was born on January 12, 1920 in Racine, Wisconsin and grew up in Eau Claire. After graduating from high school she went on to attend and graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse. There she earned a degree in physical education. She taught 1 year in Wisconsin, then joined the Navy and served four years during WWII. She then moved to Blaine and taught here for 30 years.
Betty is believed to be the first women's coach at BHS, starting in 1946. When she was teaching at Blaine during the 1950's, 60's and 70's, she was the girls' PE instructor. At that time women's athletics were limited to school day activities known as Girls' Athletic Association (GAA). Betty coached the girls in every sport offered. Her intense love of sports led to her championing the cause for more female sports opportunities.
Betty was never without a "pep in her step" or a joke in her pocket. She always maintained a zestful vitality throughout her life. She traveled all 50 states and was a life-long learner. She retired from the Blaine School District in 1976. She passed away in 2014 in her home town of Eau Claire.