1993 2021 he Coac s Ass Earl Gengler--Brown Deer Billy Albrecht-West Bend West ll oc a ia b t Russ Lund--Gale-Ettrick.-Tremp. Phil Janssen - Saint Mary Catholic e i s WBCA o a n Tom Nygaard--Appleton Xavier Pete Johnson - Grantsburg B WBCA h n Marty Paulsen--Fond du Lac a Curt Thompson-Riverdale i l s WBCA

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a Tom Konowalski--Milwaukee Tech

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e Tom Farina-New Berlin West Charlie McDonald--Beaver Dam Patrick Hansen-Menomonee Falls Dan Madden--Janesville Parker Chris Kempf-Ashland George Roman--Stevens Point 2019 Rick Hofeditz - Beloit Turner Ray Seibel--Winnebago Lutheran Bill Coker-Athens Richard Sykes - Nicolet 1991 Tom Davey-Palmyra-Eagle 2007 Tom Grafenauer--Whitnall Armando Hernandez-UW-Whitewater Gene Mand-Manitowoc Larry McGinley--Platteville Jeff Ryan-Prescott Pat Neary-Oconomowoc Tim O’Driscoll--Arrowhead Steve Warren-Marathon Pat Reilly-Dodgeville 1990 2018 2006 Don Hawkins--Appleton Legion Kevin DeBoer-Waupun Jay Buckley-La Crosse Central George Husby--Stur. Bay Legion Chad Montez - Waukesha West-WBCA Mike Dee-La Crosse Aquinas/UIC Joe Thompson--West Allis Mark Pedretti-Prairie du Chien Bruce Erickson-Appleton North Frank Thornton--La Crosse Central Dennis Riddle- DePere Ernest Krogman-Cazenovia 1989 2017 2005 Arlyn Colby--Barron Doug Gonring - Kewaskum Tom Armstrong Sr.-Park Falls William Graf--Brookfield Central Mike Gregory - Edgerton Gordy Gillespie-Ripon College 1988 Bob Heinkel - Milwaukee Lutheran Mark Gobler-Amery Dale McReynolds--Scout Chuck Ihle - West Salem Larry Villiard-Bruce Tom Meyer--UW Bill Urban - Pittsville 2004 1987 2016 Dennis Murphy-Black Hawk Ted Baumgarten--Sauk Prairie Garry Bahe - Sun Prairie Whitey Steinagel-Mosinee Tom O’Connell--Milwaukee Pulaski Cy Berg - Eau Claire Memorial Jim Strommen-Pecatonica Jack Torresani--Wausau East Tony Gerharz - Oshkosh West 2003 1986 Ernie Millard - Mequon Homestead Jim Miller--UW-Whitewater Emil Belich--Scout Bob Zweifel - Jefferson Dennis Overby--Chetek James Mason--Viroqua 2015 Jerry Toubl--Wauwatosa East Bill Terry--UW-La Crosse John Feldner - McFarland 2002 1985 Randy Krehbiel - Westosha Central Cy Buker--Greenwood Ken Kirby--Umpire-Edgerton Bill Miller - Denmark Joe O’Neill--Wilmot Red Oberbrunner--UW-Parkside Mike Simoens - Bay Port Brad Sauve--Spring Valley Jim Price--Waunakee John Vodenlich - UW-Whitewater 2001 Otto Ruf--Darlington 2014 Jeff Beardsley--Palmyra-Eagle 1984 Brian Gillogly - Marian University Steve Block--Prescott Frank Benevides--Greenfield Jeff Hogan - Milwaukee Hamilton Tom Lawrence--Stoughton Hubert Diekvoss--Campbellsport Kip Nordstrom - Lodi Joe Vitcenda--Royall Fred Peterson--Oconto Falls 2013 2000 1983 Jack Brooks - Rosholt Lee Hlavka--Kenosha Tremper Jim Brown--Wausau West Steve Leistico - Waterloo Ron Kading--Potosi Richard Hrlevich--Milw. Hamilton Joe Loizzo - Beaver Dam Legion 1999 Richard Huxtable--Nicolet Jerry Raether - Campbellsport John Ball--New Richmond Bill Martin--Oconomowoc Augie Schmidt - Carthage College Jack Friess--Cedarburg Russ Tiedemann--UW-Oshkosh 2012 1998 Ken Trott--Westby Bill Dettman - Sauk Prairie Ted Evans--Mineral Point Ron Unke--Wisconsin Lutheran John Galewski - South Milwaukee Jim Glenn--Stratford 1982 Terry Petrie - UW-Stout Ralph Sobota--Alma Center Robert Douglas--Mukwonago Tom Wilson - Seymour Don Williams--Hortonville Ron Wahoske--Ripon 2011 1997 1981 Tom Brandon - Racine Case Ken Anderson--New Holstein George Holland--Nekoosa Pete Drexler - Lomira Earl Lochner--Middleton James Martin--Wisconsin Lutheran George Sabol - Johnson Creek Leon Piddington--Sun Prairie James Nirschl--Kimberly Joe Waite - Cumberland 1996 1980 2010 Don Green--Random Lake Tex Belich--West Allis Hale Dip Dade-Tomah Ed Krcmar--Ashwaubenon John Polsczyncki--Mil. Juneau Dan Heinritz-Appleton East Fred Yagodinski--Luxemburg-Casco Andy Smith--Kenosha Tremper Dick Iverson-Rib Lake 1995 1979 John Paulin-Gays Mills-Lancaster John Cibrario--Kenosha Bradford John Bartelt--Marion John Schmitz-Milwaukee Juneau Mark Fuller--Cumberland Charles Bilek--Mil.Washington 2009 Bob Suter--Janesville Craig Rodney Billerbeck--Gibraltar Tom Lechnir -- UW-Oshkosh Greg Wendorf--Stevens Point Pacelli Murray Denemark--Mil. Custer Robin Schrank--Greenfield 1994 Frank Granitz--Manitowoc Mark Simon--D.C. Everest Jim Hughes--Franklin Walt Hein--Shawano Pete Swanson--Viroqua Legion Doc Koehler--Reedsburg Dynie Mansfield--UW 2008 Gary Perkins--West Bend East Don Rennicke--Homestead Tom Bennett - Madison Memorial Joe Zolecki--Milw. Thomas More Harlan Quandt--Oshkosh North Joe Braun - Neenah John Wilson--Dodgeville Lynn Held - Whitewater 176

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2021 2021 BILLY ALBRECHT PETE JOHNSON 2021 WEST BEND WEST GRANTSBURG RUSTY TIEDEMANN Billy Albrecht’s career at Pete Johnson WATERTOWN West Bend West has to be took over as Rusty Tiedemann com- considered one of the top head coach at piled a career record of coaching achievements Grantsburg, in 328-152 at Watertown of all time in Wisconsin Wisconsin’s far High School (.683), win- High School baseball. northwestern ning seven conference His teams won 451 games corner, 21 years titles and making three while losing only 131 for ago after being trips to the State Tour- a winning percentage of the assistant nament. His clubs won .775%. During his 18 years as head coach, coach for sever- 14 Regional Titles, a his Spartans won eight North Shore titles, al years. During his tenure, the Pirates have State-Runner-up and a eight Sectional Titles, three State Run- gone 325-132 (.711), won 12 conference titles State Championship. He ner-Ups and two State Titles. He coached and made a trip to State once each as a Sum- has not only served as junior varsity for ten years before taking the mer program and once as a Spring program. A Watertown’s head coach reigns over in 2000. He retired after Sum- recent winner of the WBCA’s Ethics in Coach but worked with various levels of youth baseball mer baseball’s final season in 2018. Award, Johnson has worked with all levels of in that community. He was a three-year starter baseball, not only in Grantsburg, but the sur- at UW-Oshkosh and played on their National rounding area. He coached in the 2018 All- Championship Team. He has worked at several 2021 Star Classic and has served as a Conference clinics internationally and coached baseball for PHIL JANSSEN rep the past 18 years. one year in Switzerland. He joins his father Russ SAINT MARY CATHOLIC into the Hall of Fame as the second father-son Phil Janssen has combo ever inducted. had a long and 2021 diverse life with baseball. He is CURT THOMPSON 2021 most well known RIVERDALE JIM WILKINSON nationally as Curt Thompson MARQUETTE working with Ma- has been the head Jim Wilkinson has left his jor League Base- coach at River- coaching mark around ball umpiring for dale High School three suburban Milwau- the past 40 years. in Muscoda for kee area High Schools State wide, he is the past 32 years throughout his storied best known for During that time career, most recently at his great success he has amassed a Germantown. He has at Saint Mary’s career record of amassed a career record Catholic (previously Saint Mary’s Central) 381-299 (.560). of 349-130 (.729) and High School in Neenah. After assisting for His teams have has a WIAA Tournament five years, he took over the head coaching du- won five confer- record of 41-12. His Mil- ties for the next 13 years, amassing a record of ence titles and waukee Marquette teams 194-47, an incredible .805 winning percentage. have made four made State Appearances His teams won eight conference titles, made Sectional appearances. He has twice been name four times and won ti- three state appearances and won the State Title the SWAL Coach of the Year and has served tles in both 2006 and 2008. Before becoming a one time. He continues to serve baseball by Muscoda and the surrounding communities as a head coach, he was named the WBCA Assistant being on the WIAA Advisory Committee for youth coach at every level. His duties at Riverdale Coach of the Year in 1996. He was named the Pitch Counts. He has also served as Director have also included being the Athletic Director, Coach of the Year for Summer Baseball in 2005 of MLB Umpire Evaluation and worked with head football coach and head basketball coach. and was twice named the Classic Eight Confer- MLB umpire training for the past 30 years. ence Coach of the Year. He coached both the He also served young men wanting to become WBCA All-Star Classic and in the Brewer’s Mill- umpires by hosting several umpire clinics na- er Park Classic in 2008. tionally for the past several years.

177 2020 2020 2019 TOM ARMSTRONG, JR. PATRICK HANSEN BILL COKER CHEQUAMEGON MENOMONEE FALLS ATHENS Thomas Armstrong Jr. has Bill Coker recorded a been coaching baseball Patrick Hansen had a stellar 361-130 record during for 30 30 years, including coaching career at Brown Deer his coaching career at 20 years as a Head Coach and Menomonee Falls High Stratford and Athens. at Park Falls/Chequame- Schools. His career record His teams have won nine gan High School. He has was 492-201. His Menomonee Conference titles, as well accumulated a record of Falls Indians won five Con- as ten Regional Champi- 325-131 during that time. ference Championships in the onships. Coker has been His teams have won eight tough Greater Metro Confer- named Conference Coach Conference Champion- ence. His teams made 15 ap- of the Year eight times, ships, played in Sectionals pearances at Sectionals, win- and in 2017 he was named 12 times, and reached State Tournament three ning five Sectional Championships. In 2004, the the WBCA Coach of the times. They earned the Silver Ball twice. Tom has Indians were State Runner-Ups. In 2015 and 2016, Year. Coker’s teams reached State Tournament been named Conference Coach of the year seven Menomonee Falls won back-to-back State Cham- three times, resulting in two State Champion- times, and has twice served as a coach in the All- pionships. Hansen had been named the Coach of ships. He also served the WBCA as a district Star Classic. The Park Falls/Chequamegan base- the Year for the Greater Metro Conference four representative for 13 years, and has coached in ball program has been under the leadership of times, and in 2006, was the WBCA Summer Coach the All-Star Classic twice. Coker has also been the Armstrong Family for 45 consecutive years. of the Year. Hansen had also been heavily involved involved in coaching numerous youth league Tom Sr. and Tom Jr. have combined for over 700 in the WBCA, serving as a District Rep, and run- teams. He retired as head coach after the 2019 wins. Tom Jr. joins his father in the WBCA Hall ning the Summer All-State meetings for over a season. of Fame. He continues to be the head coach at decade. Hansen’s teams were not only known for Chequamegon High. their talent on the field, but for their strong char- acter as well. 2019 TOM DAVEY 2020 PALMYRA-EAGLE TOM FARINA 2020 CHRIS KEMPF NEW BERLIN WEST Tom Davey has coached at Tom Farina had been ASHLAND Deerfield High School and the Head Coach of New Palmyra-Eagle High School Berlin West for nearly Chris Kempf has been the since 1993. During that time 20 years. During that Head Coach at Ashland his teams have won 11 Con- time the Vikings have High School for 23 years. ference titles, six Regional posted a 372-196 re- The Oredockers have a titles, and reached State cord. New Berlin West 410-155 record during that Tournament twice. Davey’s has won nine Confer- stretch. He has been named Deerfield Legion Team made ence titles under Farina’s the Lumberjack Conference two trips to State, including leadership. They appeared in Sectionals four Coach of the Year three a runner-up finish in 2002. times and reached the State Tournament twice. times, and the Lake Superior Since 2007, Davey has led the Janesville Babe In 2013, the Vikings were crowned State Cham- Conference Coach of the Year three times as well. Ruth Team to ten State Titles, and three trips pions. Prior to being named the coach of New The Oredockers have won nine Conference Cham- to the World Series, including two 3rd place Berlin West, the Vikings had posted a record of pionships behind Kempf. They made 10 Sectional finishes. Davey is a two time District Coach of 9-93 the previous three seasons. A former player appearances, and reached State Tournament four the Year, and coached in the All-Star Classic in in the Milwaukee Brewer’s system, Farina began times. In 2005, Ashland earned a Silver Ball at the 2002. He currently has a high school coaching his high school coaching career as an assistant Summer State Tournament. Kempf has coached in record of 420-160. under Hall of Famer Tom O’Connell. Through the All-Star Classic two times, and has also been the years, Farina has hosted youth clinics for named District Coach of the year twice. In 2001 players, as well as umpire clinics. Since 2001, Chris was named Coach of the Year by the WBCA. he has had a scholarship program that gave out Not only committed to baseball in Ashland, Kempf three $500 scholarships to graduating seniors. rebuilt the baseball field in his home town of Glid- He retired from New Berlin West in 2019. den, helping keep school kids involved in baseball.

178 2019 2018 2018 ARMANDO HERNANDEZ KEVIN DeBOER DENNIS RIDDLE UW-WHITEWATER WAUPUN De PERE The late Kevin De Boer was Dennis Riddle had been in- Armando Hernandez is a for- a Waupun native, who grew volved with De Pere Baseball mer All-Conference infielder up and starred in baseball for more than 30 years. After at UW-Whitewater. He was and basketball for Waupun stints as an assistant coach at a high school coach for 18 High School. After a suc- Oconto and De Pere, Riddle years, including eight years cessful college career at Car- became the head coach at De as Head Coach at Kettle Mo- thage College, DeBoer be- Pere High School. In 23 sea- raine High School, winning came a teacher and coach in sons as a head coach, Riddle’s three Regional titles, as well his hometown, Waupun. A fighter his entire life, De Pere Redbirds posted a re- as a State Runner-Up finish DeBoer’s determination helped Waupun become cord of 331-162. Beginning in 1994, De Pere in 2008. Former UW-Whitewater coach Jim one of the top baseball programs in Wisconsin. won nine Conference Championships in a 15 Miller noted, “Armando took over a program DeBoer’s record at Waupun was 250-137, which year stretch. Despite being a smaller Division near the bottom, and left it near the top.” Her- included four Conference Championships, as well I school, Riddle’s teams won 18 Regional titles, nandez then became the lead assistant coach as a State Championship in 2007. He also led the and played in two State Tournaments. at UW-Whitewater, where he has been for 24 Waupun Legion Team to a State Championship in seasons. During that time UW-Whitewater 2013. He passed away later that year at the age of 2017 has won 11 WIAC Titles, gone to the College 44. World Series six times, and won two National DOUG GONRING Championships. WEST BEND EAST • KEWASKUM 2018 Gonring has achieved suc- 2019 CHAD MONTEZ cess as head coach of both JEFF RYAN WAUKESHA WEST • WBCA West Bend East and Ke- waskum High Schools. His PRESCOTT Since beginning his coaching career in 1994, Chad Mont- career record of 418-200 ez has been a major figure in includes seven Conference Jeff Ryan began his coach- Championships at West ing career as an assistant Waukesha baseball, as well as the WBCA. Montez has built Bend East and five at Ke- coach at Prescott High waskum. His teams have reached State Tour- School, reaching State an impressive 410-309 record since becoming the head coach nament three times, winning two Summer Tournament four times. State Championships in 1999 and 2002. He has Since becoming the head at Waukesha West. He is a two time District Coach of the year, also coached at the college level at Iowa State, coach at Prescott Ryan’s Claremont College in California, and Concor- teams have recorded a 371- and has led the Wolverines to seven Conference Championships, ten Sectional dia University. He has been named District 109 record. Under Ryan’s reign the Cardinals Coach of the Year four times, and in 2002 he have won 12 Conference titles, and reached appearances, and eight trips to State Tournament. In addition to his accomplishments on the base- was the WBCA Summer High School Coach State Tournament twice. In 2012 the Cardi- of the Year. Gonring retired after 2018. nals were State Champions. Ryan has been ball field, Montez has also been heavily involved a District Rep since 2003, and has twice in the WBCA. He is a former President, and still coached in the All-Star Classic. occupies a place on the Executive Board. 2017 MIKE GREGORY 2019 2018 EDGERTON STEVE WARREN MARK PEDRETTI Coaching is in the Greg- MARATHON PRAIRIE du CHIEN ory blood. Mike Gregory, head coach of Edgerton In 21 seasons as a head coach In Southwest Wisconsin, one High School for the past at Marathon High School, Steve team has been synonymous 29 years, follows in the Warren has a record of 351- with success. That is Prairie footsteps of his father, 127. The Red Raiders have won du Chien High School, under Jack, who is a Hall of 11 Conference Championships the guidance of Mark Pedret- Fame football coach from during that stretch, and made ti. In 26 seasons as the head the same school. His re- four appearances at State Tour- coach at Prairie du Chien, cord is 415-237 to date. A member of the ex- nament. They were State Champions in both the Blackhawks have posted tremely tough Rock Valley Conference, Edg- 2008 and 2010. In those 21 seasons, Warren a record of 430-177 During erton has won 12 Conference Championships has been named Conference Coach of the those 28 seasons, Prairie du under his reign. The Crimson Tide has made Year 10 times. In 2008 Warren was named by Chien has won 19 Conference Championships, two trips to the State Tournament, winning a the WBCA as their Coach of the Year. He has and very seldom have they not been in the run- State Championship in 1990. Gregory is still also won over 400 games as Marathon’s Le- ning for the crown. Coach Pedretti has also led the active as head coach at Edgerton. gion Coach, which includes five State Tour- Blackhawks to nine Sectional appearances, as well nament appearances. Warren coached in the as four trips to State Tournament. In 1993 Prairie All-Star Classic in 2007, and has coached du Chien reached the pinnacle of success, winning three American Legion All-Star Games. a State Championship under the direction of Mark Pedretti. He resigned as head coach in 2019 but stayed on to assist his son Ryan, who took over as head coach in 2020. 179 2017 2016 2016 BOB HEINKEL GARRY BAHE ERNIE MILLARD MILWAUKEE LUTHERAN SUN PRAIRIE HOMESTEAD Heinkel has spent his en- Bahe was the head coach Millard is one of the most tire coaching career while at Sun Prairie High School successful coaches in Wis- teaching at Milwaukee for 14 years, after serving consin baseball history. Lutheran High School. 16 seasons as an assistant His record of 539-310 at After serving five years coach. His record as a Homestead High School as an assistant coach, he head coach was 161-115. place him 6th all-time of took over the varsity pro- During this time Sun Prai- WIAA Summer Coaches as gram in 1980, and coached rie won four conference of 2019. In 23 years as head through the 2015 season. titles, made eight Section- coach at Homestead, Mil- He accumulated a record al appearances, and won lard won two conference championships, made of 398-340 during his ca- two State Championships, six trips to State Tournament, earned State Run- reer. Milwaukee Lutheran made five State Tour- 1994 and 1997. Bahe was the Big Eight Coach of ner-Ups in 2003 and 2014, and in 1994 earned a nament appearances under his reign, and won the Year four times, and in 1994 he was named State Championship. Millard was named North State titles in 2002, 2003, and 2015. He coached by the WBCA as the State Coach of the Year. Shore Conference Coach of the Year four times. many amateur teams throughout the years, in- During his reign, Sun Prairie became one of the He retired after the 2018 season. cluding two National Championship teams, in top Division I high school teams in Wisconsin, 2016 addition to coaching at Milwaukee Lutheran. a tradition that continues today. Bahe retired in BOB ZWEIFEL 1999. 2017 JEFFERSON CHUCK IHLE 2016 Zweifel was the head WEST SALEM CY BERG coach at Jefferson High Ihle was the head coach at West Salem High EAU CLAIRE MEMORIAL School for 14 years, after School from 1985 to 2019. Berg is perhaps the most suc- serving as a JV assistant A long time power during cessful baseball coach in Wis- coach for 15 years. He the WIAA summer sea- consin from the late 50’s thru has been coaching at son, West Salem didn’t the early 60’s. In 12 seasons at some level since 1968. miss a beat since joining Eau Claire Memorial he posted While Zweifel was head the spring Coulee Confer- a 153-32 mark. Eau Claire Me- coach, Jefferson won six ence and Spring baseball. morial made six trips to State conference titles, and reached State Tournament His Panthers have won Tournament during that time, finishing as three times. His record while a head coach was eight Conference Champi- a State Runner-Up once, and winning four 170-102. Zweifel has also coached VFW and Ju- onships under his leadership. They have played State Championships: 1957, 1958, 1961, and nior Legion Baseball in Jefferson. His commit- eight times in the State Tournament, seven in the 1962. In four seasons as a Legion coach, his ment and dedication to Jefferson High School summer and the two past springs. He has been record was 56-12. He is a member of both baseball can be seen, as after his career as a head named WBCA Summer Coach of the Year twice. the Eau Claire Memorial Hall of Fame and coach, he resumed his duties as an assistant His involvement with several local baseball orga- the Eau Claire Baseball Hall of Fame. Berg coach, being named WBCA Assistant Coach of nizations has helped make West Salem a premier passed away in 2008 at the age of 84. the Year in 2007. baseball city in Wisconsin. His career record fin- 2016 2015 ished at 540-314 after retiring following the 2019 TONY GERHARZ JOHN FELDNER season. OSHKOSH WEST • WBCA McFARLAND 2017 Gerharz’s contributions to Feldner has been the head coach BILL URBAN baseball in Oshkosh and at McFarland High School for PITTSVILLE on behalf of the Wisconsin over 43 years, in which time his Urban had been the head coach at Gresham, Baseball Coaches Associa- teams have accumulated over Columbus, and Pittsville tion have been invaluable. 394 wins. He has won Regional High Schools. In 25 years Gerharz, the head coach Championships in each of the as a head coach, he has at Oshkosh West High last three decades, and was an compiled a career record School for the past 28 inaugural winner of the WBCA Ethics in Coach- of 339-165. Urban has also years, has won 350 games. ing Award presented by the WBCA in 2016. He coached college baseball, It’s not just at West where has served the WBCA as a district representative serving as an assistant he’s influenced the game of for many years and is a consistent worker at the coach at UW-River Falls. baseball. He has been the president and general All-Star Classic. Currently still active at McFar- He is a three-time District manager of the Oshkosh Giants that play in the land. Coach of the Year award Wisconsin State League for the past three de- 2015 winner. His teams have won three Conference cades. Commissioner of that league for over two RANDY KREHBIEL Championships, and have reached State Tourna- decades, he is a member of the league’s Hall of ment four times. In 1992 Columbus earned a Di- Fame. He’s been an active participant and leader WESTOSHA CENTRAL vision II State Runner-Up award. Urban may be in Oshkosh’s Snitz Club and Pepp Club, which Krehbiel retired from Westosha Central after the only Wisconsin baseball coach in history to promotes baseball at all levels city wide, for over putting together a 301-220 record. His teams lead teams to State Tournament in three different 30 years. For the past several years, he has been there won five Conference Titles, ten Regional divisions, Division II, III, and IV. Urban retired the Chairman of the All-Star Classic. Gerharz is Titles, and four Sectional Titles. His 2002 team after the 2017 season. still active at Oshkosh West with 358 wins. won a WIAA State Championship. He was twice a coach of the East team in the WBCA All-Star Classic, and was a Conference Rep. 180 2015 2014 2013 BILL MILLER KIP NORDSTROM JACK BROOKS DENMARK SPENCER • LODI ROSHOLT The head coach of Denmark High Nordstrom is one of the few Brooks has been the head School, Miller has led them to 429 coaches in Wisconsin history coach at Rosholt High School wins and only 219 losses during to win State Championships for the past 26 years and his 28 years at the helm. He has with two teams, winning in counting. He has accumulat- been involved at all levels of base- 1994 at Spencer High School, ed a career record of 539-154, ball in the community, coaching and in 2013 at Lodi High 7th all time. His teams won Little League and being very in- School. He was a varsity head several conference champi- volved in their youth board of coach for 28 years, posting onships, including the last directors. His teams have won a 396-183 record. His teams four years in a row, and have seven Conference Titles, seven Regional Titles, won seven conference championships, nine gone to the State Tournament in 2008, 2010, and and have two WIAA State appearances. He was a Regional championships, and three Sectional 2011. They were State Runner-up in 2008. Cur- District Coach of the Year in 2005. Currently still championships. His lone State Tournament rently active at Rosholt. active at Denmark. appearance that did not result in a State Cham- 2015 pionship was a runner-up finish. Retired from 2013 coaching at Lodi in 2015. MIKE SIMEONS STEVE LEISTICO BAY PORT WATERLOO After serving as the JV coach 2014 Leistico continued the suc- at Bayport, Simoens took over BRIAN GILLOGLY cess that Art Westphal had the varsity job in 1994. Suc- MARIAN UNIVERSITY started as head coach at Wa- cess has followed as his teams Gillogly has enjoyed one of the most terloo for 27 years. He fin- have put together a record successful collegiate coaching ca- ished his career with a record of 444-185. His teams won reers in the country. In 22 seasons as of 355-195. He was named seven Conference Titles, 16 head coach at both Marian College WBCA Coach of the Year in Regional Championships, and and Luther College, Gillogly’s teams 1999, after winning a DIII have appeared in ten WIAA won 13 conference championships. State Championship. He also State Tournaments. They won State Titles in 2009 He has been named Coach of the Year nine led his team to State in 1985, 2003, and 2006, and 2010 and finished runner-up in 2012. He was times. In his 12 years as head coach at Marian where they finished State Runner-Up. Leistico a State Coach of the Year in 2010. He has been College, the Sabers won 11 conference cham- served as a Conference Rep for 20 years. Retired active in the area Little League and Legion pro- pionships. The Sabers had 11 seasons of 20 or as coach at Waterloo after the 2012 season. grams, helping bring about one of the strongest more wins, including six straight seasons with baseball areas in Wisconsin. He retired after the 30 wins, never missing the postseason. Con- 2013 2019 season. sidered one of the top teachers of the game in JOE LOIZZO 2015 the country, Gillogly had amassed over 550 victories during his tenures at Marian and Lu- BEAVER DAM LEGION JOHN VODENLICH Loizzo is best known for his UW-WHITEWATER ther College. His honors include being named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1995. Re- work as Beaver Dam Legion Vodenlich has put together an tired from coaching in 2014. coach, compiling a record of impressive resume that has put 591-185 (.761). His Legion him into the WBCA Hall of teams won State Championships Fame. An All- American player at 2014 in 1982, 1984, and 2001. They UW-Whitewater, where he played JEFF HOGAN were State Runners-up in 2004 from 1989-1992, Vodenlich fin- MILWAUKEE HAMILTON and 2011. They won another ti- ished with a .397 career batting Hogan coached baseball at tle in 2013, his last year as coach average, good for third all-time Milwaukee Hamilton High for that team. Beaver Dam Legion had made a in school history. Following his School for 30 years, includ- total of 14 State Tournament appearances. He collegiate career, Vodenlich went on to play pro- ing 25 seasons as head coach. took over as head coach at Beaver Dam High fessionally in Europe, winning the Slovenian Na- During that stretch he has School in 2012 from Hall of Fame coach Charlie tional Championship in 1994. Vodenlich joined accumulated a record of 359- McDonald. He coached Legion until 2013 and Jim Miller’s UW-Whitewater coaching staff as an 201. The Wildcats won nine retired as Beaver Dam High School head coach assistant coach in 1994 and stayed on the staff conference championships, in 2017. He surpassed the 200 win mark as a until 1998, when he was named the head coach and made 12 Sectional appearances. Hamil- high school coach was in coaching 40 years in at Edgewood College. Vodenlich needed just two ton played in two State Tournaments during 2017, the year he retired. seasons to change a losing program to a winning his reign. Hogan has been named Conference one, when Edgewood enjoyed its first winning Coach of the Year eight times, and has also season in the program’s history. Following the been named District Coach of the Year once. 1999 season, Vodenlich returned to UW-W and He has been actively involved in the WBCA rejoined Miller’s staff as an assistant coach. He during his career and twice coached in the All- was named Miller’s successor in 2004. Since then Star Classic. Retired from Hamilton in 2017. Vodenlich has won the WIAC Coach of the Year six times, been named the Wisconsin College Coach of the Year four times, been named the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year three times, and led the Warhawks to two NCAA DIII titles. 181 2013 2012 2011 JERRY RAETHER TERRY PETRIE PETE DREXLER CAMPBELLSPORT UW-STOUT LOMIRA Raether successfully built When Petrie retired in 2000, he Drexler has been the head and led the Campbellsport held the record for career wins in coach at Lomira since 1980. Cougars program for 21 the WSUC, with 537 victories. He He had accumulated 302 years. He finished his began coaching at UW–Stout in wins at the time of his in- career record with a 397- 1971. During that time, he was duction. His teams had won 233. He guided his teams named the College Coach of the six Flyway Championships, to the State Tournament Year twice by the WBCA. He also made five Sectional ap- in 1996, 1997, and 2000, earned two WSUC Coach of the pearances, and won a State finishing State Runner-up Year awards, as well as being named by the NAIA Championship in 1991. His in 1997, which is impressive considering as their Coach of the Year in 1989. He coached the father-in-law, Harlan Quandt, was a charter that Campbellsport has an enrollment un- Stout Blue Devils to seven Northern Champion- member of the WBCA Hall of Fame. Drexler der 500. Raether, one of the classiest men in ships, and two WSUC Championships. Fifteen of retired after the 2016 season. Wisconsin baseball, served as a Conference coach Petrie’s players were named All-American, 2011 Rep for the Eastern Wisconsin Conference and four reached the professional ranks. Retired for the past 20 years. Raether retired from after the 2000 season. GEORGE SABOL coaching in 2012. 2012 JOHNSON CREEK For 37 seasons, Sabol was the TOM WILSON 2013 head coach at Johnson Creek. SEYMOUR • WBCA He earned his 400th career AUGIE SCHMIDT Wilson, coaching the Seymour victory in 2010, and retired in CARTHAGE COLLEGE Thunder, was not only one of the 2011 with 420 career victories. Schmidt has compiled top coaches in Wisconsin, but is also His Blue Jays won the State a 781-321 record in 25 one the most involved coaches in the Championship in 2007. He years at Carthage Col- WBCA. As a coach, Wilson’s teams ranks 24th in career coaching victories and lege, a .708 career win- won six Conference Championships won Coach of the Year Awards in both the ning percentage. Under and made 11 Sectional appearanc- Eastern Suburban Conference and the Trail- his tenure, Carthage has es. During the 2011 campaign, Wilson earned his ways Conference. He had helped hundreds of claimed eight outright 300th career victory. He has coached Team Wiscon- players develop a love of the game, some of CCIW divisional titles, sin in the Midwest Classic, twice coached in the Jim whom have become coaches themselves. one divisional-title tie, Gantner Classic, and in the WBCA All-Star Classic. 2011 nine conference crowns, 16 NCAA regional Wilson served two years as WBCA President and berths, including nine straight from 1992- has been the WBCA Treasurer since 2003. Wilson JOE WAITE 2000, six regional titles, third-place finishes retired from Seymour in 2014 with 330 career vic- CUMBERLAND • WBCA in both the 1993 and 1994 NCAA Division tories in 31 years. He became an assistant coach at Waite is best known for III Baseball Championships and fourth Saint Norbert in 2014 and continues to serve on the his work with Baseball place in both 1995 and 1997. Schmidt con- WBCA Executive Board as Treasurer. Wisconsin, which he con- tinues to coach at Carthage. 2011 tinues to write and edit for 28 years and counting as TOM BRANDON 2012 well as the All Star Classic RACINE CASE Program and the website. JOHN GALEWSKI Over a 24 year coaching career at Ra- He was named WBCA As- SOUTH MILWAUKEE cine Case High School, Brandon post- sistant Coach of the Year For 24 years, Galews- ed a 280-199 record. Under his lead- in 2000 and WBCA Man ki has been the coach ership, the Eagles won six Conference of the Year in 1995. Every copy of Baseball of the South Milwaukee titles, five Regional titles, and made one Wisconsin was accepted into the MLB Hall Rockets. At the time of State appearance. In addition to coach- of Fame library in 2012. Now retired from his induction, he had ac- ing baseball, he also coached football, teaching, Waite at times was coaching three cumulated 449 wins. His basketball, and track. For several years, he was an sports yet still managed to complete the proj- accomplishments include instructor at UW-River Falls Hitting Camp. He was ects that he does for the WBCA. He was Mark one Conference Cham- also the coordinator of the Racine Youth Baseball Fuller’s varsity assistant coach at Cumberland pionship, nine Sectional Clinic for 15 years, as well as coaching Legion Base- for 23 years, being part of eight Heart O’North appearances, and in 1996, a State Cham- ball in Racine. Championships and two State appearanc- pionship. Galewski has coached over 70 2011 es. The Beavers had only one losing season seasons, including football and basketball, BILL DETTMAN during that time. He was the head coach at as well as baseball. He has run many clin- Prairie Farm for four years before accepting ics around the Milwaukee area, has twice SAUK PRAIRIE the head coaching position at Cumberland coached in the Jim Gantner Classic, and the Dettman spent 33 years coaching in 2019. He led the Panthers to 49 wins and WBCA All-Star Classic. Galweski is South the Sauk Prairie Eagles, racking up a conference championship and the Beavers Milwaukee baseball. He continues to be the over 330 wins. One of the classiest to the Sectional Finals his first year there. He head coach at South Milwaukee. He retired coaches around, Dettman had been continues to serve as WBCA’s Publications after the 2018 season. a proud member of the WBCA for Director, in charge of baseballwisconsin.com, years and served as a conference Baseball Wisconsin, and the All-Star Classic representative for many seasons. Program. Dettman retired in 2011. 182 2010 2010 2009 DICK IVERSON JOHN SCHMITZ MARK SIMON RIB LAKE MILWAUKEE JUNEAU DC EVEREST Iverson, entering his 37th Schmitz coached for 37 Following a brief career in year in 2020 as the head years, 19 of them at Mil- the Twins organization, Si- coach at Rib Lake High waukee Juneau High mon began his teaching School, has a 479-216 re- School. Despite being a career at DC Everest High cord. During that time, Rib small school competing School in Schofield. He Lake had never had a losing against other city schools spent 19 years as the junior season. His teams have won with much higher enroll- varsity coach before spend- seven Conference Champi- ments, Schmitz’s teams ing the next 19 years as the onships and made one State posted a 238-132 record varsity head coach. In those 19 years, DC Ev- Tournament appearance. He has coached at ev- during his career. Juneau won six City Ti- erest compiled a mark of 268 wins and only 92 ery level in Rib Lake, tee-ball through Legion, a tles and made five Sectional appearances. losses. They made three trips to State under program that he started and is still running 20 They made the State Tournament once, Simon’s guidance. In addition to coaching at years later. Four of his former players are head the only time in Juneau history. Six times both the junior varsity and varsity level, he spent coaching at other schools in Wisconsin. Cur- Schmitz was named City Coach of the Year. many years coaching the Everest Adult semi-pro rently still active at Rib Lake. He also served with the Milwaukee Brew- team and Legion team. He retired in 2004 and 2010 ers’ youth camps for 13 years. Schmitz passed away in 2018. DAN HEINRITZ passed away in 2009. APPLETON EAST 2009 Heinritz had been the head 2009 PETE SWANSON coach at Appleton East for over TOM LECHNIR VIROQUA LEGION 20 years. One of the most suc- UW-OSHKOSH Swanson had posted a 161- cessful programs in Wisconsin, Lechnir is the winningest 128 record as the head coach in one of the toughest confer- baseball coach in WIAC at Viroqua at the time of his ences in Wisconsin, he logged history. In the 19 seasons induction after serving many over 300 career victories with leading up to his induc- years as the junior varsity the Patriots. His resume in- tion, he had a career re- coach. His teams won three cluded a DI State Champion- cord of 594-194. His win- Coulee titles and two Re- ship in 1996. He also served as the Appleton ning percentage of .753 gional titles during that time. South Side Little League commissioner, coached ranked third among ac- However, he is best known in the All-Star Classic, and is a member of the tive NCAA DIII coaches. for his work with the Viro- UW-La Crosse Hall of Fame. He retired in 2010. Prior to being the head coach at UW-Os- qua Legion Program. Swanson got his 1000th 2010 hkosh, he played for the Titans for four victory in 2013, and played in 15 State Legion DIP DADE seasons and was an assistant coach for six Tournaments. Viroqua won State Legion Class TOMAH seasons. The Mosinee native had a hand in A Championships in 1991, 2004, and 2005. Cur- Dade has coached at various levels since the late 21 WIAC Championships, 17 trips to the rently still active as Viroqua High School and 1950’s. He coached at Tomah High School for NCAA Division III World Series, and two Legion head coach. His high school career re- nearly 40 years, as both a head coach and assis- NCAA Division III National titles. cord is 363-245. tant coach. He followed that with 10 seasons at Sevastopol. A veteran of the Korean War, and a 2009 2008 member of the Milton College Hall of Fame, Dip ROBIN SCHRANK TOM BENNETT also spent three seasons pitching in the Cubs or- MADISON MEMORIAL ganization. GREENDALE In 20 seasons as the head Bennett was head coach at coach at Greendale, Schrank’s Madison Memorial for 30 2010 teams posted a record of 375- years. His teams posted 392 JACK PAULIN 226, averaging over 18 wins wins in the tough Big Eight LANCASTER per season. Under his lead- Conference, which included Jack Paulin began his coaching career at Gays ership, the Panthers won six five Conference Champion- Mills High School, (now known as North Craw- Conference titles, made eight ships. Under Bennett’s lead- ford). His was an era when baseball was not Sectionals, and made five ership, Memorial won State only played in the spring but in the fall as well. trips to the State Tournament. In those five Championships in 1990 and After four seasons, Paulin became Lancaster’s State Tournament appearances, Schrank’s 1992. He was named the Big Eight Coach of the head coach, leading them on an impressive run, teams were silver medalists once and won Year five times and the WBCA Coach of the Year including six Conference titles and three State State titles in 1980, 1987, and 1995. He also twice. Bennett was a team captain for the Wis- Tournament appearances. All told, his teams coached in the All-Star Classic and was a consin Badgers during his collegiate career. He won 12 Conference Championships and played speaker at the WBCA State Clinic. 1995 retired in 2008. in five State Tournaments, going 254-112 in the was Greendale’s last appearance at State. process.

183 2008 2007 2006 JOE BRAUN GENE MAND JAY BUCKLEY NEENAH MANITOWOC LA CROSSE A graduate of Algoma High School, Mand coached baseball for CENTRAL Braun played football and baseball at 33 years, with 23 of them as Buckley was an assistant UW – River Falls. In 1934, he started head coach at Manitowoc coach at La Crosse Central the baseball program at Frederic High Lincoln High School. His for 29 years, winning 18 School, where he coached until 1941. In career record is 223-199, Conference Championships, 1949, he started the baseball program at which includes five Con- and making 15 trips to State Neenah High School, where he coached ference championships, 11 Tournament, winning two until 1966. During that 17 year stretch, Neenah com- appearances in Sectionals, State Championships. He piled a record of 115 – 88, including five FVA Confer- and a trip to the State in 1992. Mand was a also coached the La Crosse ence titles, and a second-place finish in the 1966 State two-time coach in the All-Star Classic, and Juniors for 22 years,winning Tournament. Beloved by his former players, Braun was honored twice as the Fox River Valley a National Title in 1986. passed away in 2014 at the age of 101. Conference Coach of the Year. He was the director of the Stars of Tomorrow Tournament for 16 years. Since 1982 he has run 2008 2007 Jay Buckley Baseball Tours, the biggest baseball LYNN HELD PAT NEARY tour group in the United States. He was named the WBCA’s Man of the Year in 2020. WHITEWATER OCONOMOWOC For 21 years, Held was the head coach Neary entered the 2007 sea- at Whitewater High School. The son with over 300 wins under 2006 Whippets posted a 308-132 mark his belt. His coaching career MIKE DEE during his reign. His teams won eight began in 1970 as Oconomo- LA CROSSE AQUINAS • UIC Conference Championships and 11 woc’s freshman coach.He has Dee was the head coach at La Crosse Aquinas Regional titles. The high water mark been Oconomowoc’s head for 7 years, posting a record of during his career came when he led coach sinc 1984. In addition 100-26. They won five Confer- Whitewater to State Championships to nine Conference champi- ence Championships, appeared in 1993, 1995, and 1999. Very active in the WBCA, onships, Neary’s teams have advanced to at State six times, and won three Held was a Conference Rep and the East representa- Sectionals 10 times, and reached the state State Championship. In 1987 tive to the All-Star Classic. level six times. Three times his teams placed Dee was the WBCA Coach of the 2008 second at state. Neary had also coached Year. For several years he was an RICK HOFEDITZ twice in the All-Star Classic. Neary retired assistant coach at the University BELOIT TURNER in 2010 with 339 career victories. of Minnesota, before becoming the head coach at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He has led Hofeditz was the head coach at the Be- UIC to five conference titles, and two NCAA loit Turner High School for 20 years. 2007 berths. He continues to lead UIC. He has been During that time, the Trojans won 313 PAT REILLY named the Horizon League Coach of the Year games while losing only 93. They won DODGEVILLE ten times. 10 Conference Championships, three Reilly has coached base- Sectional Championships, and one ball at various levels in State Championship. He was named 2006 Dodgeville for 47 years. Conference Coach of the Year eight He has worked at the high ERNIE KROGMAN times and was the WBCA Coach of the Year in 2001. school level for over 25 CAZENOVIA He retired in 2008. years, including nine as Krogman began his head coach- head coach, winning two ing career at Cazenovia High 2008 Conference Champion- School, which later consoli- RICHARD SYKES ships. He was the WBCA dated to become Weston High NICOLET Amateur Baseball Coach of the Year in School. He also coached at St. Francis High School. During his A former All-State player, as well as a 1996. In a community ceremony in 2002, 12 years at Cazenovia/Weston, former player at UW-Parkside, Sykes the local baseball field was renamed Reilly his teams earned eight Confer- had coached at Bay View and Nicolet Field. Currently still coachiing at Dod- ence Championships, including High Schools for over 30 years, accu- geville. seven undefeated Conference mulating 563 career victories at his seasons. During that time his teams posted a retirement in 2013. While at Nicolet, 109-24 record. They made five Sectional ap- Sykes led the Knights to five Confer- pearances, and went to the State Tournament ence Championships and reached the in 1957 and 1962, a great accomplishment for a State Tournament three times. Nicolet won the Sum- small school at that time. mer State title in 1998. He is third all-time in career victories among summer coaches. He retired in 2013 from Nicolet but has coached at Saint Francis into 2020.

184 2005 2004 2003 TOM ARMSTRONG SR DENNIS MURPHY DENNIS OVERBY BLACK HAWK PARK FALLS CHETEK Murphy was the head coach at Black Hawk High Armstrong, Sr., was a head Overby had been involved with baseball School for 36 years. During the summers, he also coach for 28 years, 27 of them at his entire life. After high school he played helped coach the Darlington baseball team, a job he Park Falls High School. During several years of professional baseball in the held for 15 years. While at Black Hawk High School, that time he posted a 404-260 Milwaukee Braves organizations. Upon the Murphy had a record of 405 wins and 214 losses. record. His teams won nine conclusion of his playing career, Overby He won 11 Conference Championships during that Conference Championships, became head coach at Chetek High School. time. In 2000, he served as an All-Star coach for the and reached State four times, He remained in that capacity for 32 years. WBCA All-Star Classic. Murphy is also a member including a runner-up in 1987. For his career, Overby has compiled a 318- of the Wisconsin State Football Coaches Hall of He was named Conference Coach of the Year 254 record, which includes two Conference Fame. Black Hawk School’s football field is named nine times. Park Falls renamed their baseball titles, six Sectional apperances, and one trip field after Thomas Armstrong, Sr., and his wife Dennis Murphy Field. to State Tournament. He retired in 2005 with Ann. Armstrong died suddently in 2000. His 2004 348 wins. son, Tom, Jr., took over the program. WHITEY STEINAGEL 2005 MOSINEE 2003 GORDIE GILLESPIE Steinagel served as Mosinee’s head coach for 21 JERRY TOUBL RIPON COLLEGE years. His team won four Conference Champi- WAUWATOSA EAST Gillespie is the winningest base- onships, and made one appearance at State Tour- Toubl had been coaching baseball for 23 ball coach in NCAA history, en- nament. During his 21 years at Mosinee, his team years, 22 of them as head coach of Wau- tering the 2005 season with over compiled a 218-123 record. Steinagel was twice watosa East High School at the time of his 1,600 wins. In nine years at Ripon named District II Coach of the Year, and was also an induction. During his reign, Tosa East had College his teams have made five All-Star Classic Coach in 1992. Steinagel was very won three Conference Titles and advanced NCAA Tournament appearances, active in the WBCA. He served for several years as to Sectionals six times. His teams made two and won five Midwest Conference a District Rep, and was also a member of the WIAA State Tournament appearances and won the Championships. Four times he has Coaches Advisory Committee. Steinagel has pre- WIAA State Title in 1997, resulting in Toubl been named MWC Coach of the Year. He is sented several coaching clinics to Little League or- being named the Milwaukee Journal Sen- considered one of the top baseball clinicians in ganizations. tinel Coach of the Year. Toubl was a three the country. After 59 years and a college base- 2004 time Conference Coach of the Year, and has ball-best 1,893 coaching victories, Gillespie fi- JIM STROMMEN accumulated a career record of 350-264. He nally called it quits in 2011, at the age of 85. He PECATONICA retired in 2008 with 440 career victories. died in 2015 at the age of 88. Strommen’s career record entering 2020 was 587- 2002 2005 214 in 40 seasons. During that time, Pecatonica CY BUKER MARK GOBLER has won eight Conference Cham- pionships, and played in Section- GREENWOOD AMERY Buker was a high school head Gobler coached baseball for 26 als four times. Strommen was the coach for 23 years. He coached years, with 20 of them as a head District V coach of the year in 1995, at Sturgeon Bay, Sevastopol, coach. For 16 seasons he was the and coached in the WBCA All- Greenwood, Whitehall, Shull- Star game in 1990. In addition to head coach at Amery High School. sburg, Eau Claire, Loyal, and coaching Pecatonica High School, His career record is 341-170. His Rib Lake. During that span, Strommen has also coached Babe teams won seven Conference Buker’s teams posted a record Ruth baseball for 16 years, and Little League for five Championships, and went to Sec- of 260-85. His teams won years. Strommen was also a member of the MATC tionals ten times. He also coached 11 Conference Championships and nine Hall of Fame where he played baseball in 1973-74. in State Tournament three times, Gobler also Regional Championships. Prior to Buker’s He is currently active at Pecatonica and will shortly served as the head coach at Eau Claire Regis, coaching career, he was an outstanding play- become the 3rd spring coach in history to win 600 and Moose Lake, Minnesota. er. He was a minor league teammate of Jack- games. ie Robinson’ and his career culminated in a 2005 2003 stint with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Buker died LARRY VILLIARD JIM MILLER in 2011 at the age of 92. BRUCE UW-WHITEWATER Villard was the head coach At the time of his induction, Miller had been coach- 2002 at Weston High School for ing for over 30 years. He had been the head coach TOM LAWRENCE 16 years and he continued to at UW-Whitewater for the past STOUGHTON coach at Bruce for another 21 16 years. The Warhawks had won Lawrence was the head coach at Stough- years. His teams have posted 381 games during that stretch, a ton for 25 years. During that span his 314-141 record, which includes UW-Whitewater record. He had teams posted a 272-202 record. He coached 14 Conference Championships, been named College Coach of the Stoughton to six Conference titles, three Sec- eight Sectional appearances, Year by the WBCA three times. His tional appearances, and one trip to the State and two trips to State Tourna- teams received six NCAA tourna- Tournament. Lawrence has also coached the ment, including a 2nd place finish in 1982. Vil- ment bids. During the past 16 years, coach Miller Stoughton Legion Team to two State Cham- liard began his coaching career as a 17 year old and his staff had turned UW-Whitewater into one pionships and was in charge of state rankings Legion coach in Bruce. He retired at the end of of the top 25 NCAA Division III baseball schools for Division I teams. 2015 with a record of 509-201. in the country. He retired in 2003 and passed away in 2016.

185 2002 2001 1999 JOE O’NEILL JOE VITCENDA JOHN BALL WILMOT UNION ROYALL NEW RICHMOND • WBCA Wilmot High School had Joe O’Neill as their Vitcenda has been the head Ball had been the head base- coach for 27 years, with 24 of them as head coach. coach for Royall High School ball coach at New Richmond Wilmot posted a 284-94 record during O’Neill’s for 32 years at the time of his High School for 21 years at tenure. His teams won 13 Conference titles, made induction. His teams at Roy- the time of his induction. Sectional appearances 14 times, and played in the all have compiled a 364-186 His teams compiled 334 wins State Tournament four times. Wilmot’s success record during that period. with six State appearances, resulted in O’Neill being named Southern Lakes Vitcenda’s teams have won 12 Sectional appearances, Conference Coach of the Year numerous times as 12 Conference titles, and and 10 conference titles. Ball well as All-Area Coach of the Year several times. made three appearances in was the District I Coach of the Year twice and 2002 Sectionals, culminating in a State Champi- coached in the first All-Star Classic in 1984. BRAD SAUVE onship in 1998. In addition to coaching high He was also the athletic director at New Rich- school, Joe Vitcenda has also spent over 20 mond High School. He finished his career at SPRING VALLEY • WBCA years coaching Little League, Legion, and Se- New Richmond with 532 wins during mostly Sauve had been actively involved nior League levels. Going into 2014, Vitcen- summer season coaching, putting him fourth with the WBCA for many years. da had 544 career victories entering his 45th all-time on that list. He served a two-year term He has served as a District Repre- season, putting him 2nd all-time. 2019 will be as WBCA President. He received the Ethics in sentative, a term as President, and his 51st season. He is the all time spring win- Coaching Award in 2015. He retired at the end resided over the All-State Com- ningest coach with 600 victories. of the 2016 season. mittee. Sauve had been coaching baseball for 22 years at the time 2000 1999 of his induction. For the past 21 LEE HLAVKA JACK FRIESS years he had been the head coach KENOSHA TREMPER CEDARBURG • WBCA at Spring Valley. Spring Valley had posted a 210- Hlavka had been coaching baseball for 31 Friess had coached baseball for 153 record during that time, winning two Con- years at the time of his induction. For 10 years 22 years at the time of his induc- ference Championships, and making Sectionals he was the head coach at Kenosha St. Joseph’s, tion, the last 20 as head coach once. He remained active as a player, playing on and for the past 19 he has been the head coach at Cedarburg High School. His one of Spring Valley’s WBA teams. He had over at Kenosha Tremper. He has accumulated 376 teams have won 316 games, ap- 300 career victories while at Spring Valley. He wins during that span. Hlavka’s teams have peared in 6 state tournaments is currently a volunteer assistant at Saint Croix won 14 conference titles, reached Sectionals and were State runners-up in Central. 10 times, and made State Tournament eight 1997 and 1998. He took nine 2001 times. Hlavka was named Milwaukee Area teams to the sectionals and had three Con- JEFF BEARDSLEY Conference Coach of the Year in 1981 and ference titles. Friess was the 1998 District VI 1984, coached in the first All Star Classic in Coach of the Year, was a WBCA clinic speaker PALMYRA-EAGLE • WBCA 1984, and was District VII Coach of the Year in 1990, and coached in the 1992 WBCA All- Beardsley was the head coach at Palmyra- in 1990. In 1993 Hlavka conducted three Star Classic. He was the first WBCA Ethics in Eagle High School for 26 years. During that time baseball clinics in Hungary. He had finished Coaching Award winner in 2014. Going into his teams compiled a 248-211 record, with sev- his career with 429 wins in 2003. 2014, he had 585 wins, putting him 3rd all- en Conference titles, and appearing in Sectionals time among summer coaches. He currently three times. He was named Conference Coach of 2000 chairs the Summer All-State Committee and the Year six times. Beardsley served the WBCA as coaches Cedarburg. District Representative and for the past 11 years RON KADING 1998 he had been the Secretary of the WBCA. POTOSI • WBCA 2001 Kading had been the head TED EVANS STEVE BLOCK coach at Potosi High School MINERAL POINT Evans had been the head baseball PRESCOTT for the past 22 years at the time of his induction. Prior coach at Mineral Point High School Block was the head coach at to that he served four years for 23 years from 1972-1995. His Prescott High School for 14 years, at Oshkosh North as a fresh- teams compiled 250 wins with two winning eight Conference titles, man coach, and three years as Conference titles, five Sectional ap- with 10 Sectional appearances, the head coach of the Oshkosh Legion team. pearances, and one Ctate appear- and three trips to the State Tour- While at Potosi, his teams have won 295 ance in 1974. Evans was a coach in nament, including winning a games, won 13 Conference titles, reached Sec- the 1987 All-Star Classic played in Milwaukee State Championship. His overall tionals 9 times, and played in the State tour- County Stadium. record at Prescott was 226-60 at nament twice, winning the State Champion- the time of his 2001 induction. Block was named 1998 ship in 1993. Kading has served the WBCA as District Coach of the Year twice. He served as JIM GLENN a District Rep, served a term as President, and District Representative and was then named head STRATFORD is currently in charge of the WBCA awards. In coach at UW-River Falls. After UWRF dropped Glenn was the head baseball coach at Stratford 1988 he was a coach in the All Star Classic. In their program, Block rejoined the high school High School for 25 years. His record is 261- 1993 Kading was named Wisconsin’s Coach coaching ranks by taking the head coaching posi- 128 with one State appearance, three Section- of the Year. He retired from Potosi following tion at Ellsworth. Retired from Ellsworth in 2017 al appearances and seven Conference titles. the 2018 season with a record of 562-304. with a career 411-142. He was a District II Representative for seven years, a District II Coach of the Year and has coached in Plymouth, Indiana. 186 1998 1997 1996 RALPH SOBOTA LEON PIDDINGTON FRED YAGODINSKI ALMA CENTER SUN PRAIRIE LUXEMBURG-CASCO Sobota had coached for 37 years, 28 of them as Piddington had been coaching for 32 years, In his 29 years of coaching head baseball coach of Alma Center Lincoln 27 of those years as head baseball coach. He at Luxemburg-Casco, Yago- High School. His teams compiled a 312-180 spent 30 years coaching in Sun Prairie and dinski had helped develop record with three state appearances, seven Sec- accumulated over 300 victories during that their baseball program from tional appearances and 10 Conference champi- span. His teams made State appearances in the ground up. He helped onships. He was instrumental in starting Little 1966, 1974 and 1981. His 1974 team was set up Little League, Babe League baseball at Alma Center, umpired base- State champs and Piddington was then Ruth, and Legion baseball at ball for 10 years and played professional baseball named 1974 State Coach of the Year for L-C and Kewaunee County. for one year at Omaha in the St.Louis Cardinals his efforts. He was twice Big Eight Coach During that time, his Spar- farm system. of the Year and received the UW-Platteville tan teams have won 278 1998 Distinguished Alumnus plaque. Pidding- games and seven conference DON WILLIAMS ton was a WBCA member for 25 years. titles, and they have appeared in five Sectionals and one State Tournament. He coached in the WBCA HORTONVILLE All-Star Classic and has had three of his players sign Williams coached for 23 years, professional contracts. He retired in 2011 after 38 18 of them as head baseball 1996 years, with a career record of 348-222. He coached coach at Hortonville High DON GREEN as many as three or four teams a summer. He died School at the time of his induc- RANDOM LAKE in 2018 at the age of 77. The baseball field in Luxem- tion. His record of 288-65 with Green had coached 28 years at Random burg was named after him in 2016. seven State appearances includ- Lake at the time of his induction. He also ing State runner-up in 1980 and served as Athletic Director, had coached Champions 1987 and 1997, nine 1995 football, and has also officiated basketball JOHN CIBRARIO Sectional appearances and 12 for 26 years. In 1970, Green and his players Conference championships. He built their own high school baseball field. KENOSHA BRADFORD was an All-Star Classic coach He finished his career with a record of 506- In 31 years of coaching, Cibrario had distinguished in 1989, District IV Coach of the Year in 1987 279 in 35 years. He was District IV Coach himself among his peers for his dedication to the and was the 1997 WBCA State Coach of the Year. of the Year in 1993 and coached in the All- game. During this span, his Bradford teams had Going into 2014, his final year, Williams had 563 Star Classic in 1994. won 309 games and won eight titles in the old South victories, putting him 1st all-time among spring Shore and Big Nine Conference while advancing to coaches at that time. the Sectional level on six occasions. Twice he was 1997 1996 honored by his colleagues as Conference Coach of KEN ANDERSON ED KRCMAR the Year. Besides coaching at the high school level, Cibrario had also directed the Kenosha team in the NEW HOLSTEIN ASHWAUBENON • WBCA Although Krcmar had Land ’o Lakes for ten years and been associated with Anderson had been a head baseball coach for 29 been coaching football Little League and Pony League on the local level. He years, 28 of them at New Holstein at the time of for the past 30 years, had been actively involved in the WBCA as District his induction. He has compiled a 408-251 record he had also been busy VI Representative since 1985 and has been selected with nine State appearances, 12 sectional appear- coaching baseball for to coach in the All-Star Classic. ances and 10 Conference titles. He helped coach 23 years, the last 18 sea- the 1994 North All-Star squad in the WBCA All- sons as Ashwaubenon’s Star Classic and helped develop and design their 1995 head coach. His teams current baseball diamond. MARK FULLER had won 222 games, CUMBERLAND • WBCA seven Conference titles, Fuller retired from Cumberland 1997 and had eight Sectional appearances. In High School as one of the most 1985 he helped coach the North All-Stars. EARL LOCHNER successful coaches in the State, Krcmar had been a WBCA member for 23 MIDDLETON with a record of 482-244, good years, serving as District Rep, Secretary, Lochner had been head baseball coach at Mid- for 9th all-time at the time. Vice President, Assistant Clinic Director, dleton High School for 22 years at the time of He won 10 Conference Cham- Awards Chairman, and Clinic Coordina- his induction. His record is 251-125 with one pionships and made four State tor. He had coached numerous teams in State appearance, nine Sectional appearanc- appearances during his 34 year the Ashwaubenon Little League, as well as es and 10 Conference titles. In 1989 he was the tenure. He is perhaps even better known for his JV and varsity Legion. District V Coach of the Year and he had coached role with the WBCA. For the past 20+ years, he has in the WBCA All-Star Classic. Three players he put together the Annual WBCA State Clinic, was a coached went on to coach high school baseball. founding member and continues to work with the WBCA All-Star Classic, worked with State Rankings and helped found Baseball Wisconsin along with his long time assistant coach Joe Waite. His contribu- tions to Wisconsin Baseball are immeasurable. He continues to procure the speakers for the WBCA State Clinic and chair the West Team for the All-Star Classic. Retired from Cumberland in 2013 but con- tinues to volunteer with UW-Whitewater.

187 1995 1994 1993 BOB SUTER DOC KOEHLER EARL GENGLER JANESVILLE CRAIG REEDSBURG BROWN DEER • WBCA Since 1965, Suter had been coaching Babe Ruth, Le- After two years at Mellen High School, Koehler An original officer of the WBCA, Gengler be- gion and High School ball in Janesville. His Craig moved to Reedsburg, where he spent the past gan his career as an assistant coach to fellow teams had compiled a 323-139 record over that twenty-eight years. During this span his teams Hall of Famer Murray Denemark of Milwau- span, winning nine Conference crowns and travel- have won almost three hundred games and six kee Custer before moving to Brown Deer in ing to the State Tournament eight times where they Conference Championships and advanced to 1969. As a player, Gengler was a four-year captured back-to-back titles in 1983 and 1984. He the WIAA Sectionals thirteen times. Koehler’s starter, letterwinner, and co-captain at UWM had been selected Coach of the Year eight times in charges had also been to State once. In 1987, he where he was enshrined into the UWM Hall his league and won the WBCA honor in 1984. For was given the honor of coaching the South team of Fame in 1980. At Brown Deer, his squads the past quarter-century, Suter had also coached in the annual All-Star Classic. He has also served have won 349 games, including two WIAA football and basketball. His baseball teams have as a District Rep and as a volunteer at the Classic. State Titles in 1975 and 1977, and runners-up never finished lower than 4th place in their league. He has been very helpful with the Little League in 1982. He coached the East Squad in the In 1968, he coached the Post 205 team to the State programs in his area, running clinics and donat- first All-Star Classic in 1984 and also assisted Championship and advanced to the Missouri re- ing time for tournaments. Koehler had been also with Wisconsin’s National AAU Champion- gional before losing. He retired in 2004 with a ca- named as past recipient of District Coach of the ship team in 1988. reer record of 468-215 during a 37 year span. Year award. Koehler died in 2006 at the age of 64. 1995 1994 1993 GREG WENDORF GARY PERKINS RUSS LUND STEVENS POINT PACELLI WEST BEND EAST GALE-ETRICK-TREMPEALEAU Before becoming the current Athletic Director at A former secretary of the WBCA, from 1976-78, Counting football, basketball, track, softball Ashwaubenon High School in Green Bay, Wen- Perkins had become one of the winningest coach- and baseball, when Lund finally hung up his dorf led his Pacelli teams to a 205-114 record in his es in Wisconsin prep annals, compiling a 411-153 well-worn spikes, he had spent an incredible eighteen years of coaching at the High School. His in his 23 years as the head coach at East. During 72 seasons as a head coach and 24 seasons charges won six Central Wisconsin Catholic Con- this span, his team had won six Conference titles, as an assistant. Lund, who had also been in- ference titles in that span advancing to the WISAA advanced to the WIAA Sectionals twelve times, ducted into both the Football and Basketball tournament ten times, winning it all in 1974. He and appeared in the State Summer Tournament Coaches Hall of Fames, began his career at was selected Conference Coach of the Year five seven times. His involvement in baseball spans Tomah where he spent two years coaching times and was chosen coach in the first WBCA All- over forty years, since 1952, when he marched baseball. After a short stint there, he moved Star Classic in 1983. After four years of high school in a parade to welcome the Milwaukee Braves to Markesan, where he coached baseball for baseball, Wendorf played at UW- Stevens Point to town. As a player, he lettered for four years at six years and started their track program. He where he was named MVP before being drafted and Milwaukee Rufus King High School, was chosen completed his career at Gale-Ettrick-Trem- playing two years in the Twins organization. During to play in the Milwaukee Sentinel Sliver Sluggers peauleau, where he coached another 22 years, his tenure at Pacelli, he was also actively involved All-Star game, and captained the UW-Milwau- 18 in baseball. His teams compiled a 343-108 with the operations of the WISAA tournament held kee squad in 1965. At his final game as a coach record during his 25 year coaching career. each year in Point. From 1979-1987 he assisted in last summer in Stevens Point, after his team won His teams won 13 Conference titles and made the running of the affair and served in the leader- the State Championship, he literally took off his seven trips to the State Tournament. They ship role from 1988 until moving to Ashwaubenon. spikes for good and laid them on home plate. finished runner-up in 1984. 1994 1994 JIM HUGHES JOE ZOLECKI 1993 FRANKLIN SAINT THOMAS MORE TOM NYGAARD Hughes began his coaching In 34 years of coaching, twenty of those in base- XAVIER • WBCA career at Milwaukee Washing- ball, Zolecki has become a familiar figure in the In 15 years at Xavier, ton High School where he also Milwaukee Area and has distinguished himself Nygaard distinguished began his baseball coaching among his colleagues. He had been a member himself as one of career twenty-two years ago of the WBCA since its formative years, he began the hardest working at the time of his induction. the baseball program at Thomas More when the coaches in the state. In fact, he is one of the few school, a merging of two small all-boys schools, As a coach, he led his coaches in Wisconsin who Pio Nono and Don Bosco, was opened in the 70’s. teams to the WISSA coached a spring league and a Originally the head football coach at Pio Nono Tourney 11 times, summer team during the same and a collegiate star himself, Zolecki was left with- twice capturing State season, splitting duties be- out a gridiron job after the merger and snatched titles. Nygaard was also very active with the tween Washington and Frank- the opportunity to build a baseball team from WBCA. Chosen as Man of the Year in 1996 lin in the late 80’s. Hughes coached in the Classic scratch. His teams reached the WISAA tourney for his work in starting the All-Star Classic, in 1989 and has been very active as a member of thirteen times since, finishing as runners up in he also served as President of the WBCA the Board of the Franklin Little League. Formerly 1980, 1990, and 1993 and winning it all in 1991. and later on as Treasurer. He authored two a basketball assistant at Washington, he played his His teams have also won six Metro Conference articles for Scholastic Coach and three times prep ball at Milwaukee West. He retired at Franklin Crowns while amassing 270 wins. In the summer has been published in the ABCA Coaching after the 2019 season. He owns Wisconsin’s record of 1983, Zolecki joined his friend Jim Hughes Digest. in most coaching victories with a record of 938-448 and took over another struggling program, this in 48 years. one South Milwaukee High School, taking a team that had not won a title in 17 years and building a highly respected program that eventually won a crown in 1987. 188 1993 1992 1992 MARTY PAULSEN DAN MADDEN TOM KONOWALSKI FOND du LAC • WBCA JANESVILLE PARKER MILWAUKEE TECH Paulsen had been Madden was the head coach at Janesville Parker Tom Konowalski has been de- the head coach at from 1970-1979. During that time, his Vikings scribed as one of Milwaukee’s Fond du Lac for 24 went to State three times and won it all in 1977. greatest football and baseball seaons at the time of coaches. He was stubborn, his induction. His 1992 tough, and passionate about teams had made four coaching. ‘Kono’ was one of WIAA Tournament CHARLIE McDONALD the founding members of the appearances up to BEAVER DAM WBCA All-Star Classic and a past president of that point and won McDonald led the Golden the WBCA. He was tough on kids but he cared nine Regional titles. Beavers for 36 years, 1967- about them and they knew it. He led Tech to His Cardinals won the FVA seven times in 2002, and had an overall the 1985 Division I State Championship. He the first 12 years in the Conference. Paulsen record of 451-199. His coached from 1977 to 2008 and had a careeer re- has been active in the WBCA and currently teams won 17 Wisconsin cord of 454-152. His teams were also state run- serves as facilities director. He at times had Little Ten Championships, ners-up in 1982 and 1983. Tech went to State chaired the All-State Selection Committee. 23 Regional titles, and six 13 times under Konowalski, includng a run of He, along with his good friend Mark Fuller, Sectional titles. He was also nine in a row. He, along with others, started a have traveled across the United States and named to the Wisconsin Saturday league for local prep players in the mid Canada presenting at baseball clinics. As of Football Coaches Hall of 1980’s. Konowalski was a graduate of Milwau- 2018, he entered his 50th year as head coach Fame. kee Tech and played football at UW-Whitewater. with a record of 586-401 putting him tied for Konowalski passed away in December of 2017 at 2nd on the All-Time list for career victories, 1992 the age of 68. spring coaches. He remains the WBCA’s GEORGE ROMAN Secretary and 2020 marks his 52nd year as 1991 Fondy’s head coach. STEVENS POINT During his time at SPASH as TOM GRAFENAUER 1993 head baseball coach, Roman WHITNALL had amassed a 420-110 re- Grafenauer was an outstanding player at Mil- LARRY SOMMERVILLE cord with several conference waukee Don Bosco High School (now Thomas HAYWARD and tournament champi- More) and UW-La Crosse. He was an extremely Sommerville began his 31st year at the onships, including the state successful coach at St. Francis High School and controls of the Hurricanes the season of baseball title in 1979, 1987, Whitnall High School. Unsure of his career re- his induction. Over the last three decades, and 1989, as well as state cord, it would probably rank in the top five all his teams have won 325 games while losing runner-up in 1984. Overall time. His teams, before they joined the WIAA only 169 and capturing nine Heart O’North career-wise, his teams won 60 championships: tournament, usually played 50 + games per year conference championships. In 1968, Som- 17 Conference, 29 regional, 11 sectional, and and won most of them. merville guided his school to its only WIAA the above mentioned SPASH State baseball Most importantly, he was one of the founding State Tournament appearance. Also the championships. His teams made eleven trips to fathers of the WHSBCA along with Jim Martin, school’s basketball coach, he was chosen in the Wisconsin State Baseball Tournament. He Tom Meyer, and Tex Belich. He was the first the 1991 All-Star Classic in Appleton. He served as a West All- Star Summer Classic base- clinic director of our organization, conducting retired in 2000 with a career record of 384- ball coach in 1988 and again in 2003. Roman the clinic from 1970 until 1975. He passed away 230 that spanned a 38 career. was a five-time nominee for Wisconsin Coach in December of 2017, shortly before fellow Hall of the Year, named District II Coach of the Year of Famer Tom Konowalski. 1992 in 1987, 1988, 1989 and was named Wisconsin RAY SEIBEL State High School Coach of the Year in 1989. He 1991 was also involved with Legion and Stevens Point LARRY McGINLEY WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN Youth Baseball (SPYBA) teams. Roman is con- Seibel was the Vikings’ head baseball coach sidered the dean of Wisconsin baseball coaches PLATTEVILLE for 42 years, starting in the late 1950s to his with 526 wins and 180 losses; which until the retirement in 1996. He amassed more than spring of 2013, was the highest number of ca- 1991 400 career victories, though the exact number reer wins for spring baseball in the state of Wis- TIM O’DRISCOLL is unknown. His teams won 12 conference consin. Roman died in 2014. championships and appeared in the WISSA ARROWHEAD • WBCA State Tournament seven times, finishing run- O’Driscoll is 2nd among sum- ner-up in 1983 and 1989. mer coaches in career victo- ries with a record of 742-334 in a career that spanned from 1979 to 2009. O’Driscoll con- tinues to be the official scorer for the Milwaukee Brewers. He chaired the East Team for the All-Star Classic for several years as well. He retired in 2011.

189 1990 1990 1988 GEORGE HUSBY JOE THOMPSON TOM MEYER STURGEON BAY LEGION WEST ALLIS UW-MADISON • RIVERSIDE HS • One of the American Legion WBCA baseball’s most influential 1989 Meyer was the head coach men, Husby was involved ARLYN COLBY at the University of Wis- with the Sturgeon Bay Le- consin from 1971-1983 gion from 1966-2014. He BARRON compiling a record of 279- was head coach from 1967- Although his exact 276-2 in his 12 seasons. 1970, again from 1981-2014, coaching record is not While at the helm for UW, leading his team to 710 wins available. as original Meyer helped develop five during his 38 years as head game book pages were players who went on to coach. Involved at all levels given to his graduating Major League Baseball ca- of youth baseball in Sturgeon Bay, Husby started players every year as part reers. Meyer also coached and coached a Babe Ruth team there in addition of the scrap books he put at Northern Illinois University for a career re- to coaching Little League for three years.The op- together, his two stints cord of 379-351. He was head coach at Riverside portunities he provided for Sturgeon Bay youth spanning over 20 years University High School in Milwaukee until 2017 in baseball were endless. as the head coach of the and continues to assist there. He is one of the Barron Golden Bears WBCA’s Founding Fathers. were very successful, which included leading the Bears to a State Championship in 1979. 1990 1987 DON HAWKINS 1989 TED BAUMGARTEN APPLETON LEGION BILL GRAF SAUK PRAIRIE BROOKFIELD CENTRAL • WBCA A Baraboo native, Baumgar- Hawkins coached his first ten coached 20 seasons at Past president of the little league team at the Prairie du Sac (1956 - 1963) WBCA from 1975-77, age of 16 to a La Crosse and Sauk Prairie (1964 - Graf was a coaches’ coach. City Championship. He 1975) after Prairie du Sac Beginning in 1966 and took on the Appleton and Sauk City consolidated. concluding in 2000, he Legion Team in 1965, During that time, he was a coached baseball, foot- taking the head job in part-time scout for the Bal- ball, boys basketball and 1968 where he compiled a timore Orioles. He had also girls softball and took his record of 526-253 over 30 served on the WIAA Board of Control. He was baseball teams to three years. He was instrumen- Superintendent of the Eleva-Strum school dis- State tournaments. His tal in forming the Legion trict before his retirement at the end of the 1985- baseball team won it all in 1976. Graf also took All-Star Game which has 1986 school year. Baumgarten played baseball the Brookfield Central boys basketball and girls been played in either County Stadium or Miller for four years at the University of Wisconsin. In softball teams to State tournaments. He is also a Park since 1972. He not only led his team to a 1952, he finished 11th in the Big Ten with an av- member of the Brookfield Central Hall of Fame State Legion Championship in 1979, it was the erage of .356. His teams won eight Conference and the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of first year Appleton Legion played on Don Haw- Championships, four State appearances when Fame. kins Field, which it was renamed in 2000. He there was only a single WIAA Division, and a ran the Magic Mix company which built and re- 1988 career record of 202-77. paired many fields througout the Midwest. Still DALE McREYNOLDS 1987 coaching into the year 2020, he has logged over SCOUT - WALWORTH TOM O’CONNELL 700 wins in over 55 years of coaching baseball McReynolds was a true baseball man. He wrote for Appleton Youth Baseball. The Baseball Scout’s Notebook which former MILW. PULASKI - CATH. CENT. Twins GM Terry Ryan, among many others, WBCA 1990 used as a foundation for work in scouting. His Going into the 2014 season, O’Connell got his 500th vic- FRANK THORNTON long career included work with the Royals, Reds, and Dodgers. He passed away in 1988 in tory, just the 7th spring coach LA CROSSE CENTRAL his hometown of Walworth. in history to get 500 or more For thirty years Thornton skip- career victories. His record pered the LaCrosse Central stands at 503-388 for a career Red Raiders where he com- that started in 1974. O’Con- piled a record of 459-131-1 nell, one of just 24 high school which included seventeen trips coaches to be inducted into the ABCA Hall of to the State tournament, two Fame, is a former WBCA and ABCA President. State Championships in 1978 He has traveled the world promoting baseball and 1986 and finishing runner and is considered one of Wisconsin’s greatest up six times. Twice named baseball ambassadors. His Burlington Catholic WBCA Coach of the Year, 81 of his former play- Central teams won DIV State titles in 2004, ers went on to play collegiate baseball. 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2011. Currently active as co-head coach at Saint Francis with fellow Hall of Famer Richard Sykes.

190 1987 were that easy to sum up his contributions to the 1984 JACK TORRESANI game in Wisconsin. He had done it all. He umpired FRANK BENEVIDES and officiated high school and collegiate games in WAUSAU EAST football, basketball, and baseball; he umpired in the GREENFIELD Torresani was the baseball coach at Wausau Benevides started coaching in Greenfield in minor leagues and even had a brief stint in the Big High School, later Wausau East, from 1959- 1961, leading the Hustling Hawks to Summer Leagues. It is estimated that Kirby had officiated or 90 and led Wausau to five WIAA state tourna- State in 1965, 1979, 1983 and 1984. His team umpired in over 13,000 games at all levels during ment appearances. He also coached the alpine won the State Championship in 1983. his half-century of involvement. He had worked in ski team from 1972-91 and led program to state the WIAC and the Big Ten, numerous WIAA and championships in 1976 and ‘78. He coached the WISSA State Championships, and even State Semi- boys basketball team from 1961-64. Pro games. He is the only umpire ever enshrined 1984 1986 into the WBCA Hall of Fame and was honored by HUBERT DIEKVOSS JAMES MASON having the State Umpire Year of the Year Award CAMPBELLSPORT VIROQUA renamed the Ken Kirby Umpire of the Year Award After an illustrious career as a high school after his death. athlete in La Crosse where he 1984 was picked as MVP in the 1951 1985 FRED PETERSON Legion State Tournament and RED OBERBRUNER OCONTO FALLS was named Athlete of the Year Fred Peterson spent 25 years as the Oconto at Central High School in 1952, UW-PARKSIDE Falls High School head baseball coach, from UW-Parkside’s baseball facility is known as Ober- Mason attended UW-La Crosse 1967 – 1991. With a record of 232-152 (.642) bruner Field, named after the late Ken “Red” where he won eight varsity letters , his teams won eight conference titles and Oberbruner, who coached the Rangers from in football and baseball. After appeared in four State Championship tour- 1970-1991. Oberbruner posted a 244-196 record college, he began teaching and coaching in Vi- naments, winning two of them: 1973, prior to at UW-Parkside to go with his 657-323 lifetime roqua, where he compiled a 223-136 record in the Class divisions and 1978 as the first Class B record. Prior to his time as a Ranger, Oberbrun- 30 years at the time of his induction. His teams winner. His team also finished second in 1997. er coached for some 23 years at the former Milton won six Coulee Championships and were State His team still holds the record for the longest College, in Milton, Wisconsin. From 1959-1980, Runners-Up twice. In 1957 as coach of the La game played at the State Tournament – a 16 he served as a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Crosse Legion team, he led his players to a 2nd inning win against Eau Claire Memorial in signing 24 players to major league contracts. As an place finish in the State Finals. He coached in the 1973 semi-final game. He was selected the athlete, Oberbruner played in both the NBA (Fort the WHSBCA All-Star series in 1975. He also WBCA Coach of the Year in 1979. served as Commissioner of the Southwest Ath- Wayne Pistons) and in professional baseball (St. letic League and as an associate scout for the Louis Browns). He graduated from Notre Dame Royals. Mason died in 2011 at the age of 77. in 1940, where he excelled in both basketball and 1983 baseball.Oberbruner, who resided in Burlington, JIM BROWN Wisconsin, passed away in September of 1991. On WAUSAU WEST 1986 February 23, 1997, Oberbruner was inducted into BILL TERRY Throughout his life, Jim had an the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame. His jersey incredible passion and love for UW-LA CROSSE “No. 1” was subsequently retired and is commem- sports with a special fondness Terry began his coaching ca- orated with a sign on the outfield wall of the facility for baseball and hockey. reer at Maxwell, Iowa before which bears his name. UW-Parkside, parksiderangers.com There wasn’t a moment where moving to Westby High School Jim wasn’t involved with base- where he spent eight years. In 1985 ball. As a player, he began in the 1968, he became the head coach JIM PRICE All-star Babe Ruth and Little at UW-La Crosse. During the Bigger League and continued next eleven seasons, his teams WAUNAKEE Over his 36-year teaching career, Price devot- to play in high school, three years Legion, and compiled a 113-39 record in two years in the US Air Force. Jim found great WSUC games and were 199- ed 35 years as a high school head coach in three different sports: baseball, basketball and football. success as a baseball coach. He was the first 146 overall. In 1979, his final season as coach, baseball coach at Wausau West High School Terry guided the Indians to a fifth place finish in However, his true calling came as a baseball coach. In his 25 years as head baseball coach at Wauna- and also coached for the Wausau American the NAIA World Series after winning the WSUC Legion, Wausau Babe Ruth and Wausau Little with a 12-1 mark. In all, his teams won seven kee (21 years), Brillion, Elroy and Blanchardville high schools, Price amassed a total of 237 wins, League, and was on the Board of Directors of WSUC titles. Terry was also known as a top the Wausau Little League. Jim served as the di- clinician, appearing several times at WHSBCA against only 94 losses, and a winning percentage of .716. Along the way his teams won 12 Conference rector of WIAA state high school tournaments clinics. He led a spirited effort that successfully from 1973 to 1997 and brought the WIAA state saved UW-La Crosse baseball in 2010 and was championships and made four State tournament appearances. Price also spent eight years as a bas- high school tournament to Wausau in 1974. named the La Crosse Tribune Sportsman of the Jim also served as the General Manager of the Year that same year. ketball coach, including three in Waunakee, and two years as a football coach. Wausau Mets in the Midwest League, and was 1985 a scout for several Major League teams. He KEN KIRBY was inducted into the Wisconsin Old Time Ball 1985 UMPIRE - DARLINGTON Players Association Hall of Fame. At one time, one of the most recognizable figures OTTO RUF on the baseball scene in Wisconsin, Kirby was DARLINGTON often quoted as saying, “When you’re an umpire you only have to know seven words: ball, strike, fair, foul, safe, out, and time. That’s it.” If only it 191 1983 1983 1982 RICHARD HRLEVICH RUSTY TIEDEMANN ROBERT DOUGLASS MILWAUKEE HAMILTON UW-OSHKOSH MUKWONAGO Richard Hrlevich was Mil- Tiedemann coached the UW-O from 1968- waukee Hamilton’s first varsi- 69 and 1971-88, building the program into a 1982 ty baseball coach from 1967 national power. He was at the helm for one through 1990. During Hrlev- National Championship, 15 Conference titles RON WAHOSKE ich’s 24 years of coaching, he and more than 500 victories. Tiedemann led RIPON had 356 wins, 143 losses, nine UW Oshkosh to 10 straight Wahoske was the coach at Ripon High School ties with a .713 winning per- WIAC championships from from 1956-1993. His record was 365-248. He centage. Hamilton teams won 1979-88. He also guided the had 13 Conference Championships, 14 Regional nine conference titles (three of them in the Big Titans to eight NCAA Di- Championships, two Sectional championships Nine Conference with the Racine and Kenosha vision III World Series ap- and one State title in 1988. schools) five division titles, six second-place pearances and three NAIA 1981 finishes, and one State appearance. He was the World Series visits. In 1985, GEORGE HOLLAND head coach of the East team All-Star Classic UW-Oshkosh became the in 1985. He served as WHSBCA Secretary for first school from Wisconsin NEKOOSA George Holland lettered in baseball at the one term He played baseball, football, basket- to win the NCAA Division III Baseball World UW-River Falls from 1956-58. He has an excel- ball and ran track at West Allis Nathan Hale, Series. UW-Oshkosh concluded the 1985 sea- lent coaching record at the high school level. He graduating in 1953. He also played American son with a 37-3 record. Tiedemann, who record- coached at Nekoosa High School from 1959-83 Legion ball and was on the Milwaukee Classic ed his 400th and 401st coaching victories at the and had a 276-100 record. His teams won 12 League for the Highway Beer Depot. He was a World Series, was named NCAA Division III Conference titles and three straight State class three-year letterman at the University Wiscon- Coach of the Year following his team’s perfor- B titles (1980-82). His teams put together a 64- sin - Madison, earning an All-Big Ten 3rd Team mance. He also was selected as the NAIA Coach game winning streak from 1980-83. He was selection at third base in 1956. of the Year in 1974. Tiedemann concluded his selected the Wisconsin High School baseball 20 year baseball-coaching career at UW Osh- Coach of the Year three times (1977 1981, 1982), kosh with a 501-165record. His win total and 1983 and is a member of the state’s High School Base- .748 winning percentage both rank third in his- RICHARD HUXTABLE ball Coaches Hall of Fame. tory.UW-Oshkosh named its baseball field after NICOLET Tiedemann in 1989. He passed away in 2015. Dick Huxtable coached at 1981 Nicolet High School for 29 years and left as one of 1983 JIM MARTIN the school’s most success- KEN TROTT MILWAUKEE LUTHERAN •WBCA ful coaches ever. “Hux” WESTBY One of the WBCA’s founding fathers, Martin, who played for coached football for the Trott was 352-154 Carthage began his teaching Knights for 15 years, with during his 27 year ca- and coaching career at Milwau- six of those years as the reer as the head coach at kee Lutheran in 1957. During freshman coach. He also Westby. His teams won his 12 years as head coach, his coached 17 years for the 15 Coulee Champion- teams won seven conference ti- High School track and field program. He was ships, 10 Regional Ti- tles. He became the co-founder the very first President of the Wisconsin High tles, and made one trip of the WBCA along with Tom School Track Association and the originator of to State in in 1984. He Meyer, and was elected at the WBCA’s first pres- the individual Event Coaching Clinics in Wis- also coach the Westby ident in 1969. consin, but his most successful coaching en- American Legion team deavors came on the baseball diamond. Dick for 14 years. coached high school baseball for 31 years with 1981 23 of those years as the Nicolet Knights Head 1983 JAMES NIRSCHL Baseball Coach. He coached his Knights to five KIMBERLY conference championships (1980, 1983, 1984, RON UNKE Kimberly Athletics Department and Kimberly 1988, 1989) and five state tournament appear- WISCONSIN LUTHERAN • WBCA High School officials honored Jim by naming ances (1976, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985). Dick Unke was as founding John R. Gerrits Junior High campus baseball also led the Knights to their first Wisconsin father of the WBCA and diamond after him. The players on his teams State Summer Baseball Championship in 1985, our organization’s first called him ‘the Ol’ Fox’, the name which is dis- where he coached Major League pitcher and secretary. He led the Wis- played on the marquee at the baseball diamond fellow Nicolet Athletic Hall of Fame inductee co baseball team for 36 on Kennedy Avenue in Kimberly. His records Lance Painter. Dick was a proud World War years and football team while coaching at the smallest school in the II Veteran and was very proud to have been a for 22 years. Mid-Eastern Conference - later becoming the mathematics teacher at Nicolet High School for Fox Valley Association Conference - brought 27 years. After graduating from a football championship in 1955 and baseball WLHS, Ron attended championships in 1954 through 1959 and again 1983 UW-Madison and was in 1984. BILL MARTIN baseball MVP in 1953. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals that same OCONOMOWOC year. When he returned to Milwaukee, Ron also assisted the Milwaukee Brewers. 192 1979 1980 RODNEY BILLERBECK 1979 TEX BELICH RIPON HARLAND QUANDT WEST ALLIS HALE • WBCA Billerbeck first coached baseball OSHKOSH NORTH Belich was as founding father of the WBCA and in Cassville, where his teams won Quandt was Oshkosh baseball for over three our organization’s first Vice President. four conference titles in five years. decades. Quandt, who had In 1955, he moved to Gibraltar 324 career victories at Osh- HS in Fish Creek, where he would 1980 kosh High School from 1950 coach for the next 41 years. His to 1972, and then at Oshkosh JOHN POLSCZYNCKI teams won numerous Conference North from 1972 to 1987, MILWAUKEE JUNEAU • WBCA championships and coached the had teams appear in six State Polsczyncki was one of 1979 State champions, which were undefeated, Tournaments, two of which the founding fathers of the same year he was inducted into the first class they won in 1954 and 1956. the WBCA. During his of the WBCA Hall of Fame. Billerbeck enlisted He was the founding member coaching career, he was in the Navy at the age of 17. He died in 2009 at of the Snitz Club, the main fundraising machine the first coach in the state the age of 84 . for Oshkosh baseball, and was instrumental in of Wisconsin to achieve 1979 building Peppler Field and EJ Schneider Field. 300 victories MURRAY DENEMARK He organized the Babe Ruth program in Os- 1980 MILWAUKEE CUSTER hkosh and directed 13 junior baseball clinics for three different age groups. A pitcher and ANDY SMITH 1979 KENOSHA TREMPER letter winner at the University of Wisconsin, FRANK GRANTIZ Quandt was a member of the Badgers 1950 Big In 1954, Smith, a Wausau native Ten Championship team, a team that finished and UW graduate, fielded Keno- MANITOWOC fourth nationally. Quandt served in the 85th sha High School’s first baseball Granitz taught and coached at Lincoln High Regiment during the Korean War and was a re- team and success was instanta- School for over 30 years, after serving in the US tired Colonel in the US Army Reserve. Quandt neous. The inaugural KHS team Army Air Corp from 1942-1945. During his passed away in 2011 at the age of 82. finished 2nd at State. Eight years years at Lincoln, he was dubbed ‘Fundamental later, Smith guided KHS to anoth- Frank’ for his constant stressing of the sport he er runner-up finish. A year later, was teaching or coaching. Granitz passed away 1979 in 2009 at the age of 89. KHS and Smith finally reached DON RENNICKE 1979 the top and captured a State title, a feat he would HOMESTEAD • WBCA repeat in 1969 after moving to Tremper. During WALT HEIN Rennicke was a varsi- a ten-year span, he won 82 percent of his games. SHAWANO ty baseball coach for 26 In his 21 years as a baseball coach in Kenosha, Hein was the first baseball years at South Milwaukee Smith put together 18 winning seasons. Smith coach in Shawano High School (three years), Granville guided Kenosha and Tremper high schools to history. He began his career (eight years) and Home- six State Tournament appearances between 1953 in 1942 and served until 1981. stead High School (15 and 1973. He died in 2003. During his tenure Shawano years). While at Home- won five consecutive Con- stead, he set the stan- 1979 ference Championships from dard for every coach who JOHN BARTELT 1967-1973 and led his baseball would follow in his foot- MARION team to a state appearance in 1964. steps. He led the High- Bartelt’s records speak 1979 landers to six Braveland Conference Titles, for themselves. His DYNIE MANSFIELD seven Regional Titles, three Sectional Titles, teams won twenty-five and two (1974, 1978) State Titles during his UW-MADISON tenure. He was Wisconsin State Coach of the Central Wisconsin A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Year in 1974, and accumulated 321 victories in Conference chami- Mansfield enrolled at Wiscon- his career. He also served as secretary for the onships from 1954 to sin in 1925 and would spend the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association for 1994. He coached eight next 45 years on the Madison one year. The Homestead High School baseball teams to undefeated campus. He lettered in baseball field was named after him in 1979. He was one Conference seasons; he three times and was also the of the founding fathers of the WBCA. made six appearances at All-University boxing heavy- the WIAA State baseball tournaments; he won weight champion in 1928 and 1979 fifteen championships in the Central Wiscon- 1929. He played baseball in the New York Gi- JOHN WILSON sin Boys Baseball League; he won eight league ants organization and semi-pro football with the DODGEVILLE championships in American Legion Baseball, Madison Blues in the early 1930s before joining John “Winnie” Wilson coached the Dodger including three State tournament appearances. the Madison physical education faculty in 1936. Baseball Teams from 1947 to 1968. The teams The baseball field in Marion was named John In 1940, Mansfield became the Badger’s baseball amassed a record of 166–42, ten Conference Bartelt Field in his honor in 2010. coach, a post he would hold through 1970, com- Championships, and three State appearances piling a record of 441-339 and winning Big Ten during that time. Wilson also played one year 1979 titles in 1946 and 1950. He also coached Wiscon- of minor league baseball in 1937 for the Wil- sin’s 1947 and 1948 150 pound football teams. He CHARLES BILEK liamson Colts of the Mountain State League was a member of the 1956 US Olympic baseball in West Virginia. Wilson is also a member of MILWAUKEE WASHINGTON • committee and was elected to the ABCA Hall of both the Wisconsin football and basketball WBCA Fame in1970. He was inducted into the UW Ath- Halls of fame. Bilek was one of the founding fathers of the letic Hall of Fame in 1998. WBCA. 193