Fox Cities Sports

In 2017, Deedra Irwin was 25 years old and already thinking of retiring from competitive sports.

She had participated in track and field, cross-country, and Nordic skiing throughout high school in Pulaski and at Michigan Technological University. “I grew up an endurance athlete,” Deedra says, “and started Nordic skiing when I was 16. I skied all through college and on a professional team for two years with the Sun Valley Gold Team in Ketchum, Idaho.”

A friend, Joanne Reid, wasn’t sure Deedra was ready to retire just yet. She “told me about a Talent ID Camp that the U.S. Biathlon team used to put on to find promising skiers who could maybe learn how to shoot.

“I applied and ended up going to Lake Placid, New York for a camp at the Olympic Training Center there. After just one training session,” Deedra says, “I was hooked!”

Thanks for publishing this great magazine. It is so necessary after the Post Crescent stopped running any local sports. I will tell people all about your publication. I love it.

Cinny Ref

Reader

Thanks for reaching out! I want to first say thank you again for the opportunity to write for your magazine. I just started working with a new young athlete because a mom read my article, so thank you again!!

Anna Bomber, M.S.

Bomber Performance Consulting, LLC

Thanks Dale!
You should be so proud of your magazine and the impact you have already made in our community.
Keep up the great work!

Mary Beth Neinhaus

Reader

Just want to tell you how much we enjoy your magazine. Read it from cover to cover. Been picking it up every month since and enjoying it immensely. GREAT JOB

Rosemary (Ver Voort) Van Elsen

Reader

Thank you so much. What a wonderful experience this was for all of us.

Katie Tobin

Mother of Tyler, cover story July 2025

As a mom of three, a business owner, athlete, and coach, this moment feels so surreal. I’ve poured my heart into every role I play, and to be recognized alongside other powerhouse mamas is something I’ll never forget.

Thank you, Fox Cities Sports Magazine, for highlighting strong, determined, and resilient women—on the field, in the gym, and at home.

Sara Meyer

May 2025 Cover Story

I wanted to take the time to say Thank you…for everything you did to help Teegan with this article. Your thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed. You did a great job on the article, and it boost her confidence and taught her things along the way by writing the answers to your questions. All in all…simply said: Thank You.

Michelle Charapata

Mother of Teegan, Player Spotlight April 2025

I got the two copies you sent and cannot thank you enough for this whole thing. It’s truly special and my parents had tears in their eyes when they saw it.

Kraig Joy

March 2025 Cover Story

Dale, I love the publication and just read the piece by Greg Seubert on The Sad State of Local Sports Reporting. I wholeheartedly agree the direction it has taken is unfortunate. I look forward to your publication filling the void for the local folks. Thanks.

Jeff Walters , reader

Thank you for choosing us and working with us on the “20 Questions” article. Leah and I are beyond honored! What you are doing for the community is amazing!

Denise Heraly

Mom of January 2025 20 Questions athlete Leah Heraly

This is elevating the entire sports initiative in the Fox Cities which is great.

Abby McDaniel

Sports Marketing Manager, Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau

Just read your new magazine VERY IMPRESSIVE !!! Enjoy Today.

Ron Wolff

Grand Chute