Sexual assault survivor speaks to UW-L football team, which signs zero-tolerance pledge

Games aside, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse took some time for more important causes this week.

Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault survivor, spoke with the Eagles about her story and the need to change the culture.

UW-L coach Mike Schmidt says the message was important to hear.

“We signed her pledge that set the expectation, and that is saying ‘We will have zero tolerance for sexual assault and rape on our team,'” Schmidt said Wednesday on WKTY from the Eagles Nest. “If anybody commits that or anybody sees that, we’re going to report it.

“We’re taking a strong stand and trying to be a part of the solution.”

@UWLFB signed the pledge today! Thank you @UWLCoachSchmidt for your leadership! Remember you are the 90% #SetTheExpectation pic.twitter.com/FqNIfhtM38

— Brenda Tracy (@brendatracy24) October 10, 2018

Tracy stopped by several high schools in the area in getting out her message.

“This is the biggest thing facing our campuses,” Schmidt said. “Madison has that going on right now. It’s the No. 1 issue across the board, for all, especially for men — men who play football.”

Tracy was gang raped by four men on the Oregon State campus in 1998, including two football players.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, UW-L hosts UW-Stevens Point. The game can be heard on WKTY 96.7 FM / 580 AM.