Kiley Sabin graduated from Slinger High School in 2014 as an exceptional three-sport athlete excelling not only in athletics, but academics as well. She was an eight-time letter winner in track and field, basketball, and volleyball, earning a letter all four years in track. She maintained high honor roll throughout high school and was awarded the Wisconsin Little Ten Senior Scholar athlete for her academic efforts.

Kiley found her niche and love of track and field within the throwing events. Most notably, she was a two-time state champion in the shot put and two-time state runner up in the discus, also earning a fifth-place finish in the shot put at state her sophomore year. She was a four-time team MVP and team captain her senior year. During her career, she helped to lead her team to multiple conference titles. She obtained 10 individual conference event titles in the throwing events both indoor and outdoor, narrowly missing the conference record in the shot put by a few inches. In both her junior and senior year, she was awarded the Wisconsin Little Ten Field athlete of the year and District Field athlete of the year. Kiley broke the school records for shot put and discus during her sophomore year which continue to stand for Slinger to this day at 46’2” and 140’2” respectively. Her mark in shot put places her at 20th all-time for the state of Wisconsin.

Kiley also excelled in basketball and volleyball with Slinger. In basketball, she earned team MVP both her junior and senior year and was elected team captain in her senior year. Junior year, she earned Wisconsin Little Ten 2nd team All-Conference honors and senior year, she earned 1st team All-Conference honors.  

After high school, Kiley continued her track and field career with the University of Minnesota. She earned four letters in her time with the Gophers and became a 4-time All-American in the shot put with her highest finish being 5th place in the nation in 2018. Currently, she holds the indoor shot put record for the Gophers (57’4”) and was the outdoor shot put record holder from 2016-2019. Despite no longer holding the outdoor record, she is now 2nd all-time for outdoor shot put and 9th all-time for discus (177’11”). She also assisted her team in winning 3 Big Ten Championships for the Gophers and had two 2nd place finishes in shot put in the elite Big Ten Conference. On top of her athletic achievements, she earned several academic awards as well. She was awarded the Division 1 Track and Field Coaches Association All-Academic Team honor (2017, 2018, and 2019) and the national COSIDA Academic All-District team and AllAmerican team honors in 2018 and 2019.

Kiley has recently moved back to Wisconsin to practice as an orthopedic Physician Assistant where she plans to use her knowledge and skills to help other athletes return to play and achieve their own sports dreams. 

Kirk Emmer (2012) was one of the most dynamic athletes to ever compete for the Owls.  During his four years at Slinger, Emmer was an honor roll student and a 10-time letter winner in football (4), basketball (3), and tennis (3).  Kirk achieved 1st team All-Conference honors in all three sports. In football, he played wide receiver and was also the place kicker.  He was 1st team all-conference Wide Receiver and Kicker in both his junior and senior seasons, and was named an All-Region WR his senior year, as well as the team Offensive and Special Teams MVP.  In basketball, he was the team MVP his sophomore, junior, and senior years.  He was 2nd team all-conference his sophomore season, and 1st team all-conference his junior and senior seasons.  After his senior year, he was selected to play in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (Division 2) All-Star Game.  In tennis, he was 1st team all-conference in doubles play in 2011.

Kirk would like to thank his coaches and teammates for their trust and support throughout his athletic career at Slinger High School.  He would also like to thank his family, including his parents (Jim & Mary Beth) and sisters (Natalie & Laura) for their encouragement and sacrifice throughout his sports journey.  Finally, Kirk would like to thank his wife Maria and daughter Jade for their unconditional love.  Go Owls! 

John Machacek moved from Milwaukee to Slinger in 1951 and attended St. Peter’s Catholic School from 4th-8th grade. He then attended Slinger High School from 19551959.  

John played all 4 years on the football, basketball, baseball and volleyball teams, earning numerous letters. He played shortstop, 3rd base and pitched for the baseball team. During his freshman and sophomore years, he played center linebacker and safety on the football team. He was quarterback during his junior and senior years. He was part of the football team that, for the first time in Slinger history, became conference champions. He was a guard on the basketball team, participated on track and field and a variety of intermural sports. In his senior year, John was named to the Scenic Moraine all-conference team for both basketball and football.

John played and lettered in band with his alto sax. He played in the pep, dance, marching and concert bands.  He was elected class Vice President his junior year and served as student council Vice President his senior year.

John retired after 40 years as the Cost Accounting Manager at the West Bend Company. During that time, he played on the company basketball team and won the West Bend City Basketball tournament.  

John made strong bonds through sports that turned into lifelong friendships for over 60 years. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

Thank you to the Slinger High School Athletic Hall of Fame for this recognition. 

Lindsay Walter was a 4-year varsity letter winner. She was a versatile player always ready for a challenge and never backed down in any game or match up. She looked forward to competing.  

Lindsay is #2 on the all time scoring record (1224 points) list, #1 all time in rebounds (555) #1 in free throws (365) and #1 in free throw percentage (74.1%) in her career.  

She also holds the record for most points (39), most rebounds (16) and most free throws (19) in a single game.  

Lindsay loved the game of basketball and playing for her incredible coach, Mr. Reinhardt who continually pushed her to be the best player she could be. She wouldn’t have had the career she did without him or her unselfish teammates.  

Some of her biggest career honors are; Conference Honorable Mention (06-07), 1st Team (07-08), 1st Team and the Player of the Year her senior season. Along with this she we also named 1st Team and Player of the Year her junior and senior season by the All Washington-County Team. To finish out her exciting high school career she was named to the 1st Team All-State her senior year.

Lindsay achieved her dream of receiving a scholarship to college to play basketball and continue playing the game she loves. Her senior year of college she took up running marathons and then ultra marathons. This led to an incredible journey of self acceptance with her Alopecia. She has won some big races throughout her running career and started a pen pal program for kids with Alopecia to give back and be the person she needed when she was younger.

Lindsay loved her time at Slinger and will never forget all the memories basketball gave to her.  

While attending Slinger High School Matt (a.k.a. Bish) participated in four school sports along with recreational sports with his classmates.  He competed in track, football, baseball and basketball at Slinger earning  9  varsity letters in track, football and baseball.  He was appointed captain of both football and track.  

Matt lettered in baseball two of his four years playing many positions mostly right field on varsity.  3 varsity letters were earned in football. Matt was named 2nd team All Conference and 2nd team Washington County tailback along with Slinger Offensive back of the year.  

Track was Matt’s highlight sport.  During his four years on varsity he earned the most team points and was named MVP three of those four years.  Matt was conference champ in a number of sprints, relays, long jump and team events all four years excelling junior and senior years.

2005/junior -- Conference champ indoor: 55M, 200M relay and 400M relay;  Second team outdoor: 100M, 200M relay and 400M relay. Team won triple crown.  Sectional and Regional champ 100M, 400M relay and 800M relay.  Slinger boys track team won both the regional and sectional meets.  Matt was Division 1 State Qualifier in 100M, 400M relay and 800M relay.  

2006/senior -- Conference champ Indoor- long jump, 55M and 400M;  Outdoor- 400M, 2nd all Conference  200M and 100M; Regional and Sectional champ and D1 State qualifier in 100M and 200M.   At the State meet Matt took 3rd in the 100M and 4th in the 200M which are school records that still stand.

Though out high school Matt set many school records in individual and relay events.  He still holds many of those school records today.

Matt went on to run track at UW Platteville.  Highlights included earning school records, Drake relays, WIAC awards  and qualifying for NCAA nationals. 

Ryan Voels was the only unanimous player of the year selection in Slinger Men’s Basketball history.  He was first team all-conference his junior and senior year, as well as team Captain. He was also first team all-county and player of the year in Washington County. Ryan played in the State All-Star game his senior year as well.  His biggest accomplishment was winning the Parkland Conference with his team in the 1996-1997 season. Ryan was also Team Captain and second team all-conference for the Owls Soccer Team his senior year.  

Ryan is married to his wife Jaime and he has three kids – Kylah, Jackson & Dylan.  He is currently living in the Philadelphia suburbs and working as a Sales Consultant for a relocation company.  He now spends his free time coaching his sons’ basketball and baseball teams.  

Ryan would thank his family, coaches, and teammates throughout his entire high school career.  He understands that without them none of this would have been possible.  

Slinger High School, class of 1986

Angela (Angie/Aggie) Curtes grew up in the shadows of her 2 very active older brothers (Jay 83’ & Steve 84’) whom she tried to match in speed and smarts.  She attended Slinger Schools since 2nd grade.  Angie was a solid A-B student, was a class officer and on student council for 3 years and haled athletically for her school.  She lettered all 4 years in cross-country and track in mid to distance running, and was MVP 3 years in a row for CC and team captain her senior year.  She excelled on the basketball court in both offense and defense, lettered 3 years, averaged 14 pts/game from the inside and out, and was often put on the best players to shut them down and create turnovers.  She attended UW-Parkside (Division II) on a full basketball scholarship.  

Angie considers her high school experience as her ‘glory days,’ excelling in sports, enjoying a diverse group of classmates within an excellent circle of teachers, coaches, and administration, supporting other team, musical, and class assembly activities, and taking winter and summer family backpacking, climbing & skiing trips to the Rocky Mountains.

Angie is a graduate of Prescott College '92 with 2 bachelor degrees in Environmental Studies & Alternative Education and a minor in Liberal Arts.  She is a graduate '89 of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and was a certified Wilderness First Responder for 10 years.  Much of her career has been in the NGO sector in wilderness and environmental education in western states, and Land Trust preservation work in Wisconsin and Nationally.  Angie continues her Earth-based focus on her family’s 80-acre farm near Slinger, cultivating organic & biodynamic medicinal crops and products for people and animals.  She owns and operates Grounded LLC a mid-size compost & farm operation and offers educational opportunities for those seeking a regenerative and heart-felt footprint.

Angie was and is supported immensely by her parents (Jim & Nancy) and family, and stays active year-round with outdoor recreation sports, including sailing the Great Lakes.  Angie graciously accepts this award on behalf of the excellence that SHS continues to maintain, and of all teachers and students that seek truth in knowledge, while recognizing each of their roles in shaping a better future for the World together. 

Andrea Held proudly represented the Slinger Lady Owls in tennis, basketball, and softball from 2008-2012. With three older brothers, she grew up frequently attending Slinger High School sports and dreamed of playing as an Owl someday. Years later, Andrea’s dream became a reality complimented by numerous athletic achievements.  

Andrea Held was named Team MVP in all three sports for both her junior and senior years. In addition to team recognition, she was a top conference competitor. Although she mainly played singles in tennis, her and her twin sister qualified for the 2011 state doubles tournament, and Andrea earned all-conference honorable mention that same year. In basketball, her hard work earned her all-conference honorable mention as a sophomore followed by two first team all-conference awards, and as a senior, WBCA third team academic all-state. As an infielder in softball, she received second-team allconference recognition her freshman year and went on to earn first-team all-conference the next three years. Andrea maintained high honors throughout high school and concluded her athletic career with ten varsity letters.  

Beyond the opportunity to play the sports she loved, Slinger athletics provided Andrea lifelong friendships, strong work ethic, and valuable life skills. She displayed integrity, perseverance, and leadership both on and off the court as a teammate and friend. She dedicates this award to her coaches, parents, and teammates for their constant encouragement, and would particularly like to thank her twin sister, Emily and her Dad, who always pushed her to be better. Andrea is honored to be a member of the Slinger High School Athletic Hall of Fame and is grateful for the all of the memories from her time at Slinger High School. 

Bob Boll moved to Slinger in 1956 from Prairie du Sac. His freshman year he participated in football, basketball, and track, earning a letter in track. His sophomore year he participated in football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and track, earning letters in all sports, and was named most valuable athlete for the track team.  Bob’s junior and senior years he competed in all sports again, earning most valuable athlete in basketball and football. Throughout the course of Bob’s athletic career he earned 18 athletic letters.

Upon graduation in 1959, he attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point on a football scholarship.  He played defensive end his freshman and sophomore years. During his sophomore year he was activated by the National Guard to Fort Lewis, Washington during the Berlin Crisis for 15 months. After his stint with the National Guard, he returned to Stevens Point for his junior year.  Due to injuries to both of his knees, his football career came to an end.

Bob then attended a computer technical school, and upon graduation he was hired by Badger Meter in Brown Deer working in their IT department. He spent 38 years working for Badger Meter, finally retiring in 2002.

Bob is grateful for a wonderful family and is thankful to the Slinger High School Athletic Hall of Fame for considering him for this honor. 

Craig Vandermause graduated from Slinger High School in 1995 as a three-sport athlete, earning eight combined letters in football, basketball and track and was recognized as the Scholar Athlete of the Year for the Parkland Conference.

In football, Vandermause excelled on both sides of the ball at the quarterback and safety positions. His senior year, he was named First-Team All-Conference and First Team AllCounty for both positions and was voted Team Captain and Team MVP.

In basketball, Vandermause led the Owls averaging over 17 points per game at the guard position. Vandermause was named First-Team All-Conference and First Team All-County and was selected to play in the Wisconsin All-Star Game. Vandermause was also voted Team Captain and Team MVP his senior year.  

In track, Vandermause shined in the 110M Hurdles, 300M Hurdles and 1600M Relay. His senior year, Vandermause placed first in all events at the Conference Indoor, Outdoor and Relay meets, helping the team win the Triple Crown. Vandermause capped off his career by qualifying for the WIAA State Track and Field Championships where he finished 2nd in the 110M Hurdles and 5th in 1600M Relay in the state.

Vandermause continued his athletic career at Lake Forest College where he played all four years of basketball for the Foresters and finished his senior year as the Team's Captain. Following his collegiate career, Vandermause worked in the National Football League for a decade with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions where he concluded as the Director of Football Operations & Salary Cap. However, his loyalties never wavered from the Green and Gold.

Vandermause continues to stay active in athletics, managing American sports hero and NFL legend John Madden and former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci’s annual “Battle of the Bay” Bocce Tournament in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The celebrated charity event unites all six Bay Area sports franchises to support local non-profit organizations.

Vandermause credits his head coaches Fred Spaeth, Alan Schieve and Steve Acker for their support and guidance in striving to be an excellent athlete and honorable human. Their mentorship shaped Vandermause’s character and overall approach to life and work, proving that a TEAM mentality, hard work, and dedication play a role in managing daily challenges and successes. Vandermause also thanks his parents (Rick and Julie) for their unwavering support through the years, having attended “every” sporting event both near and far. Lastly, Vandermause thanks his wife and life partner (Katie) and his children (Kyle and Kasey) for their love, support and drive to be the best man he can be.

Vandermause dedicates this honor to his late friend and Owl teammate, Brad M. Wiedmeyer, #24 for always pushing him to be the best. 

Austin Kearns (2004-2008) was one of the most electrifying basketball players to ever put on a jersey for the Owls.  As a member of the varsity team for all four years, Austin achieved many great accomplishments. As a senior, Austin was named the Wisconsin Little Ten Player of the Year (2007-2008), selected to the Division 2 Wisconsin All-State Honorable Mention Team, chose as the Washington County Player of the Year, and was selected to play in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All Star Game (Division 2).  

In his great career, Austin was a 2-time Wisconsin Little Ten 1st Team All-Conference selection (2006-2007 and 2007-2008), 2-time Washington County Player of the Year (2006-2007 and 2007-2008), 3-time Washington County 1st Team selection (2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008), and Parkland Conference 2nd Team All-Conference selection (2005-2006).

Austin received 10 varsity letters during his time at Slinger High School (4x Basketball, 4x Tennis, 1x Football, 1x Cross Country), while being a High Honor Roll student all four years.  Austin was the #1 Doubles Tennis Player all four years of high school. He was selected to the 1st Team Wisconsin Little Ten All-Conference team as a senior (2008) and 2nd Team Wisconsin Little Ten All-Conference team as a junior (2007).

Austin would like to thank his great coaches and teammates for all of their support and helping him have a successful career.  He would also like to thank his family; parents (Steve and Jean), sister (Mindy), and his brother (Travis, his most important influence) for always supporting him.  Lastly, his wife Samantha, who he started dating in 2006 at Slinger High School, for all of the great support.

Larry attended St. Peter Elementary School and graduated in 1954.  Following grade school he attended Slinger High School and participated in football, basketball, baseball and volleyball.  In his freshman year he participated at the varsity level in the aforementioned sports.  In his junior and senior years he was awarded the “Outstanding Athlete” medal for his contributions.

Upon his graduation in 1957 he attended St. Norbert College and earned letters in football, basketball and baseball.  He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics.  After his graduation in 1961 he went into the service as a Second Lieutenant.  His assignments included a 13-month tour in Korea and a 20-month tour at Two Rock Ranch Station in Petaluma, California.  He met his wife Louetta there, they married and moved back to Wisconsin.

He then went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Science.  After working in industry for seven years he joined the teaching staff at Milwaukee Area Technical College.  In 1980 he had the opportunity to work part-time in Scoreboard Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers.  He retired from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2000, however, continues to work for the Milwaukee Brewers.  He is grateful for a wonderful family and to the Slinger High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Tim German graduated from Slinger High School in 1974 as a 3 sport athlete earning 8 letters competing in football, basketball and track and field.

In football, he was Co-Captain, MVP, and First Team All-Conference.

In track, as a Junior Tim was Conference Champ in the 100 and 220 before qualifying for State in those events.    He was also MVP and Captain.

His senior year he won 4 individual Conference events in the 100, 220, 440 and high jump, set school records in the 100, 220, a Conference record in the 100, and a Conference meet record as the most  points scored in a Conference track meet, 40.  His senior year he was also MVP and Captain.  He placed 5th both in the 100 and 220 at the State track meet.  Tim graduated from Slinger High School with 6 school records; 3 relays and 3 individual 100, 220 and high jump.

At UW-Lacrosse Tim lettered 4 years in football, including achieving 8 school records, and Wisconsin State University Conference  First Team All-Conference, and Honorable Mention NAIA All-American honors at the halfback position.  He left UW-Lacrosse as the second all-time single season rushing leader with 1072 yards.   Tim also ran track at UW-La Crosse where he lettered, was on the school record 440 relay team.

The highlight of his career was running track with my brother, Jay in high school and running track and playing football with his brother, Paul in both high school and college; both whom also held school records. 

Graduated 1948 

Dr. John Riesch was an acclaimed high school and college athlete.  While at Slinger High School, John participated in football, basketball, and baseball.  He was a twelve-time letter winner and captain.  While in high school, John was most proud of the 1947 football team that won the first conference championship for Slinger Football.  This team only consisted of 18 players and played in the first night game in the state of Wisconsin in Cedarburg.

John was inducted into the UW-Whitewater Hall of Fame in 1973, recognizing an impressive career in both football and basketball.  Riesch - Class of 1952 - was a four-time letter winner in both sports, quarterbacking the 1950 football team to a conference championship and playing guard on the 1952 conference champion basketball squad.

After college, Dr. Riesch practiced medicine in Menomonee Falls with Medical Associates and Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls – which he continues to practice today.  He holds Slinger close to his heart and has been very supportive of the Honours Program at Slinger High School. 

Graduated 1994

Tracy Roever (Conklin) graduated in 1994 after excelling in both athletics and academics. Tracy was a four year letter winner in tennis, winning two Parkland Conference #1 doubles championships, team MVP, and serving as team captain as a senior. She earned two letters in basketball and was named team defensive player of the year as a senior. In soccer she was named team captain for the first four years of the program's existence and, despite playing as a defender, she led the team in both scoring and assists during her career. She was a second team allconference selection as a freshman, earned first team honors for the next three seasons, and was twice named Parkland Conference "Player of the Year". She finished her Slinger High School career as class valedictorian, was recognized as a Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholar, was Slinger's first recipient of the WIAA "Scholar Athlete" award, and played in the Wisconsin Masonic All-State soccer game (as pictured).

Building on the things she learned at Slinger, Tracy continued her education and athletics at UW-Eau Claire. She played soccer for the Blugolds for four seasons, finishing as the school's all-time assist leader, earning all-conference recognition for two years, and being named as team captain and MVP. After her junior year, she was named to the GTE College Division Five All-Academic team and was honored as the WIAC Scholar Athlete of the Year for soccer in 1998. She graduated summa cum laude from the UW-EC School of Nursing the following spring.

She is married, has three children, and lives in West Bend where she works as a cardiac rehabilitation nurse. 

David (Dave) Sukawaty is a life-long resident of Slinger.  He was a 1978 graduate of Slinger High School, and was one of the Managers for the 1976-1977 Slinger boys basketball team that advanced to the WIAA State Tournament.  That team is still, to this date, the only Slinger boys basketball team to have advanced to the state tournament.

Dave has had a love of sports his whole life.  He played in the Slinger Little Leagues and Pony Leagues as a kid, and then umped Slinger Little League games for many years.  It is fairly certain that Dave has attended more Slinger High School sporting events (both home and away games) than any individual in the history of Slinger High School.  For football, he has been helping the Slinger Athletic Department with gate surveillance for over 20 years.  For boys and girls basketball games, he has been attending to the halftime needs of the game officials for over 20 years as well.  At basketball games, you can almost always spot him behind the home team bench (with head phones on when his beloved Chicago Bulls are also playing the same night as one of our high school games).  He has also been a fixture at Slinger Community Park for decades as he was always very involved in men’s adult softball, and he still does the scoreboard for adult softball league games.

In the early 2000s, Dave was once featured in a West Bend News article proclaiming him as “Slinger’s biggest fan” and now that claim in validated with his induction into the Slinger Athletic Hall of Fame in the “Distinguished Service” category. 

Graduated 2007

Erika earned an impressive 12 varsity letters in her athletic career, competing in tennis, basketball, and track and field all four years of high school.

In basketball, Erika was a member of the Parkland Conference Championship team her freshman year.  As a sophomore, she became team captain and was 2nd Team All-Conference and All-County.  As a junior, she was awarded 1st Team AllConference, Parkland Conference Player of the Year, 1st Team All-County, Washington County Player of the Year, and Daily News Player of the Year.  She was 2nd Team All-Conference, All-Area Girls Basketball, and ranked in Wisconsin’s Fab 50 Seniors her senior year.  She was team MVP in two seasons, and defensive player in three.  

On the tennis court, Erika won the Parkland Conference Championship at #4 singles her freshman year.  She was voted MVP with an undefeated season, and helped her team clinch the Parkland Conference Championship.  She played #1 singles for the remaining three years and earned 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Team AllConference honors, respectively.  

In track and field, Erika helped her team win the Parkland Conference Indoor, Outdoor, and Relay Title, leading to a Triple Crown.  As a senior she was team MVP, scoring the most cumulative points.  

Erika continued on to play college basketball at Ave Maria University, where she earned 1st Team All-Conferences honors, was team captain and MVP, and awarded the NAIA National Championship of Character Award.  The discipline and determination she learned in athletics helped her earn her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. 

Graduated 2008 

Sierra West (2004-2008) was a multi-sport scholar athlete lettering in nine varsity seasons in four sports: women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, and softball.

She captained a conference championship and regional championship team for the Lady Owls basketball program where she earned recognition including All-State honorable mention, 1st Team AllConference, 1st Team All-County, and Conference Co-Player of the Year.

She broke several school records including most assists and 3-pointers in a career/season and highest free throw percentage in a season.  She was also selected to the Division 2 All-Star Game.  

Sierra earned a full-ride scholarship to continue her collegiate career at Lewis University and completed it at University of WisconsinParkside where her team earned two NCAA tournament bids (Sweet 16 and top 32).  Individually she earned All-Conference (All-Defense) honors her senior season.  Academically she earned the UW-Parkside Outstanding Graduate award for academic and extracurricular achievement and the outstanding student leader award.

In women’s high school cross country, Sierra earned 2nd Team AllConference recognition.  In women’s soccer she participated on the 2006 Division II State Championship Final Four team and the conference championship teams of 2004 and 2005.

Coach

In 1980 Coach Spaeth started his coaching career at Slinger High School and after 36 years of coaching he coached 78 different seasons; 28 as an assistant coach and 50 as a head coach.

In 1986 and 1987 Coach Spaeth, assisting in track and field, helped coach three individuals to qualify for the state track meet in pole vault.

In 1980, and 1986 to 1990 he was assistant wrestling coach and from 1981 – 1985 he was the head coach.

He was head baseball coach for 5 years, 2000 to 2004. In 2000 and 2004 his teams won the conference championship.

For 24 years, from 1993 to 2016, he was head golf coach. In that time he won two conference championships, helped two individuals qualify to play at the state championship, and had five teams qualify for the state tournament. 1997 and 1998 in division 2, 2003, 2004, and 2014 in division 1.

Football is where Coach Spaeth made his biggest impact. Coaching for 36 years: 20 as an assistant, 1980 to 1989, and 2006 to 2015. For 16 years 1990 to 2005 he was the head coach. During his head coaching career, his teams were conference champs 2 times (1992 and 1997). In 1997 he was District 20 coach of the year and his team finished second in state that year.  In 1998 his team won the gold ball by beating Demark 44 to 20 to win the state championship in Division 3. In 2006 the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) named Coach Spaeth head coach of the south team for the WFCA All-Star Game. In 2011 the WFCA gave Coach Spaeth the highest level of recognition that the association bestows on and individual by inducting him into WFCA Hall of Fame for his efforts and accomplishments throughout his football coaching career.

Coach Spaeth would like to thank: the many coaches that he coached with for their help, support, and loyalty, all the players he coached, for their commitment to becoming better athletes and better people, and his mom, dad, bothers, and sisters for their loving support.

One of the things Coaches Spaeth is the most proud of, was to have taught and coached his sons: Paul, Jacob, and Jeremy.

Lastly, Coach Spaeth would like to thank his wife Sue for her ever loving support, for without her commitment none of this would have happened!!!

Go Owls 

Coach

Terry accepted the Slinger head boys track assignment in the spring of 1978 and the Slinger boys cross country program in the fall of that year after eight years coaching at Oconomowoc High School.  As head track coach he developed six Conference championships (2 Outdoor and 4 Relay), four WIAA Regional Champions and one WIAA Sectional Championships.  

After many years as head coach, Terry stepped back from the responsibilities of head coach but continued as an assistant coach.  In the events Terry coached he helped twenty one individual State qualifiers, including State Champions, Jim Bednar (300 hurdles) and Marc Ruesch (Pole Vault) and eleven school record holders.  When the track program became co-ed, Terry helped develop six more state qualifiers and two school record holders in the distance events.

Under Terry’s leadership the boys Cross Country program had two State Meet qualifying teams, two Conference championships, two Regional championships, one Sectional championship and three Sectional runner-up finishes and seven individual State qualifiers.  When he added the Co-ed program in 1997 he developed another State qualifying team and four more individual State qualifiers.

Terry always stressed team success and inclusion.  Terry’s teams were large in number and consisted of athletes with a wide range of abilities.  The emphasis was always on developing each individual’s abilities.  In his nearly half century of coaching track and cross country Terry most enjoyed seeing the excitement athletes expressed as they improved both in practice and performances in competition.  

Graduated 1981

Gerry began his association with Slinger Athletics in middle school and ultimately earned eight varsity letters in three sports.  He continued his commitment to Slinger Athletics by joining the SHS basketball staff as an assistant varsity coach soon after graduating from college.  He then jumped in to coach youth baseball, basketball and football for his three kids.  In over 25 years as a volunteer coach, he developed countless athletes and mentored dozens of new coaches.

Recognizing the need to build our youth and high school programs, Gerry took a leadership role in creating booster clubs for basketball (Slinger Hoops Ltd) and baseball (Slinger On Base Club Ltd.) and organized our youth football program.  Gerry then led the effort to merge the youth football program with the high school booster club to create the Slinger Gridiron Club Inc.

In 2012 discussion turned to updating the football fields to ensure all our kids could continue to play at the high school on a safe field.  Working with the administration, the Gridiron Club and the community, Gerry spearheaded a fundraising effort to raise $250,000 in less than one year to install artificial turf on the SHS football field.

Gerry continues to be involved as an active booster and is seen on the sidelines and in the stands even though his kids are now graduated.  He has now turned to supporting his daughter as she begins her coaching career at Slinger.  Gerry has devoted countless hours to make sure SHS student athletes have the support, facilities and opportunities to participate and learn what sports can mean for a lifetime.

Graduated 2004

Tim Sonn started his varsity basketball career as a freshman.  His passion was basketball.  He made Honorable Mention Parkland Conference as a sophomore.  

In his junior year he was 1st Team All-Conference and Washington County Player of the Year.  In his senior year, he was Parkland Conference Player of the Year, Washington County Player of the Year, and Honorable Mention All-State.  He was also selected to play in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches All-Star game in 2004.

He had 1,010 career points, 266 career free throws, 329 career field goals, 221 career assists, 86 career 3-pt field goals, and 60 career wins.

He also won the Brad M. Wiedmeyer Memorial Hoops Award Scholarship in 2004.

Graduated 2000

Brent Vandermause’s athletic tenure was highlighted by many leadership roles on successful championship teams.  As team captain, Slinger’s Football and Basketball teams were perennial powers in the Conference and the State including winning the State Football Championship (1998), an appearance in the DII Football Playoffs (1990), and trips to the Regional Final (1998) and Sectionals (1999) in Basketball.

As the consummate team-first player within effective offensive systems, Vandermause excelled as a distributor to the many playmakers on these talented teams and regularly dictated the pace and flow of the game.  Vandermause amassed more than 30 touchdown passes as Quarterback and dealt over 200 assists with better than 1.5 assist to turnover ratio as the team’s primary ball handler.

Vandermause’s individual accolades include All-Conference selections as a Guard (1st team), Quarterback (2nd team), and Cornerback (1st team).  Brent received Washington County 1st team honors for Quarterback, Cornerback, and Guard including Player of the Year recipient for Football in 1999.  For these achievements, Brent was honored to represent coaches, teammates, and the supremely supportive Slinger community on the Wisconsin South High School All-Star teams for both Football and Basketball in 2000.

Of significant personal meaning, due to the team-first approach and joy for the game Brad Wiedmeyer so thoroughly embodied.  Brent was privileged to be distinguished with the Brad M. Wiedmeyer Memorial HOOPS Award in 2000. 

Graduated 1944

Richard Wadewitz lived in the flat above his father’s meat market on Kettle Moraine Drive while he attended high school.  He and his father and brother, Ozzie, loved to play baseball and basketball.

In high school, Rich lettered in both sports.  He graduated from high school in 1944.

He then attended Wheaton College where he again lettered in both sports.  His coaching career started at Pepin High School for one year and then continued for the next four years as Sylvan Hills High School in Atlanta, Georgia as assistant basketball coach under his brother Ozzie.

Then in 1955, he became the head basketball coach at Milwaukee Lincoln High School.  His teams won State Championships in 1959, 1961, and 1962.

In 1962 he came to UW-Platteville where he was head coach from 1963-1984, winning a WSUC championship in 1974 and playing in the NAIA District tournament in 1974 and 1977.  

Throughout his career, his desire was to live as a follower of Jesus Christ.  He always treated his players with respect and care.  His coaching style is reflected in some of his former players as they now coach their own teams.

He thanks his wife, Marian, his daughter, Gretchen and his son Tom for their faithful support.  He attributes his success to all the dedicated players he had the privilege to coach.

Graduated 2007

Ed was an all-around stellar athlete and leader lettering in three sports – football, wrestling, and track.  He served as captain of the football and track teams.

Ed lettered in football as a two way starter his sophomore, junior, and senior years.  He was named First Team All-Conference Defense in both Parkland and the Little Ten Conference as well as First Team All Defense for Washington County.  He also received Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s All Defense honorable mention.

Ed was Parkland conference heavyweight wrestling champion as a freshman, sophomore and junior placing 4th in state his junior year.  He was named to All Washington County 1st Team and all Area Milwaukee Journal Sentinel honorable mention.

Ed excelled in throwing, shotput, and discus for the track team while starting on varsity for four years.  He won the shotput outdoor Parkland title 3 years and was also the shotput/discus champion in the Little Ten Conferences his senior year.  He was team MVP 2 years.  Ed also represented Wisconsin at the Adidas Golden West Invitational in California placing 2nd in shotput.  He currently holds Slinger’s school record for shotput at 61’9 1/4” and discus at 169’

Although his ultimate love was football, he received a scholarship and went on to throw for Mississippi State University Track and Field becoming a two time All South Eastern Conference track and field athlete. 

Graduated 1953

Ralph “Moose” Wolf is one of the most outstanding athletes ever produced at Slinger High School as stated by Coach Don Parker.  Ralph played quarterback on the football team, he was a triple threat in kicking, running, or passing off a Split T formation.  For the first time in many years as a Slinger player Ralph received “Honorable Mention” as a backfield man on the 1952-1953 “All State High School Football Squad.”  He was Captain of the 1952 team and led the Redmen to a 3rd place in the 4-C conference.  Ralph was rated as the outstanding back in the conference by many of the coaches.  Ralph was offered a scholarship to play football at Marquette University but did not accept it.

Ralph also played forward on the men’s basketball squad at Slinger High School and was one of the top scorers on the team with 260 points.

Ralph began playing baseball with the Rock River A.C.s in 1952 as a junior in high school since Slinger High School did not have baseball at the time.  Ralph picked up his baseball experience in various sandlot games around the village.  He played third base and right field, hitting was his important contribution to the team.

In 1959 Ralph was approached to try out for the Cincinnati Reds professional minor league baseball team.  He was offered a minor league contract but declined because he had just started a family.  The money offered in the contract was not as it is in today’s market.  Ralph played in the Rock River for 15 years during the 50s and 60s.  The left handed batting of “Moose” backed up his RBI totals with two Southern Division Batting titles and several homerun crowns while swinging in the cleanup spot.  He holds the state amateur league record by hitting six home runs in seven games.  Ralph was inducted into the “Rock River Hall of Fame” in September 1981.

Ralph was a member of Slinger Volunteer Fire Department from 1959 – 1987.  He was also their secretary for 15 years.  He held office of the Slinger Village President in 1978 and the Slinger Village Trustee 1971 – 1977.  

In 1970s Ralph was approached by Slinger JCs to start up a little league baseball program which he was more than happy to do.  He also umped, coached and groomed the baseball fields. In January 2005, Slinger Village president Russell Brandt signed a proclamation for Ralph’s 33 years of service to the Village of Slinger. 

Graduated 1983

Jim became Slinger’s first individual male State Champion when he won the 300Meter Low Hurdles event at the Wisconsin State Track & Field Championships in 1983.

He also anchored Slinger’s Mile Relay Team at the same State Meet.   In 1982 he narrowly missed winning this state hurdle title in a photo finish.

In 1981 as a sophomore, he had run the fastest qualifying time but suffered a disqualification due to an involuntary muscle flinch at the start, preventing him from advancing to the State Championships that year.  

In 1982 Jim was the State Champion in the 400 Meter Intermediate Hurdles at the Wisconsin Junior Olympics Track & Field Championships.  His time was among the fastest in the entire Midwest for all high school athletes.

He was the 300 Meter Low Hurdle Champion & Record Holder in the Parkland Conference, Washington County, Slinger H.S. and numerous invitationals and track locations. He was the 400 Meter Dash Champion & Record Holder in Washington County as well as the Divisional Conference Champion in the 100 Meter Dash and anchor runner on Slinger’s Record Setting Relay Teams. Jim was Slinger’s Varsity Track & Field Top Scorer every year and earned M.V.P., Team Captain, and numerous All-Conference and All-State Honors.

Jim displayed a unique ability to transition from a sprinter to a distance runner as he earned three Cross Country Varsity Letters.  As Slinger’s #3 runner, he helped the team to a 3rd place finish at the Wisconsin State Cross Country Championships in 1982.

He feels blessed to have been surrounded by so many talented athletes, coaches and teachers while at Slinger H.S.

At U.W. Stevens Point, he earned Track & Field All-Conference Honors before injuries ended his running career.

While coaching his own children he has always encouraged that participation, sportsmanship and “striving to do your best” is more important than winning.

Kurt Kleinhans was a leader and member of the Slinger School Board for nearly 20 years, serving as president for 13 years (1991-2004). He led the development and passage of four district building referendums that provided for two new schools and the substantial remodeling and expansion of the district’s other schools. He was an active champion supporting the development of top level academic, athletic, and music programs, as well as other extra-curricular activities in the district.

In athletics, Kurt advocated for providing teams with up-to-date facilities, equipment, and uniforms.  He stressed the importance of good sportsmanship and representing the Slinger School District with pride. Kurt also actively supported the growth of the girls’ sports programs, and he pushed for them to receive equal respect.

As an avid sports fan, Kurt, with his wife Linda, volunteered in many school and community sports activities.  They helped develop and run the Slinger Little League Program for 15 years. Over a 20 year period, Kurt spent time coaching teams in softball, baseball, basketball, and track. He also helped organize basketball, baseball, and softball camps and tournaments for young players.

Kurt was a strong and committed advocate for Slinger athletics, and his positive, energetic, “can-do” attitude helped to create many opportunities for young people to participate.  He was extremely proud of the Slinger School District, its staff and students, and felt fortunate to play a part in its continuing growth. 

Graduated 2002

A 4-year varsity letter winner and 3x team MVP in wrestling, Joey Potter amassed nearly 30 tournament championships, numerous outstanding wrestler awards, and many other individual achievements and records along the way to a 156-8 career varsity mark for the Owls.  Excelling both on the mat and in the classroom, Potter was ranked #1 at his weight class and simultaneously named to the 1st Team Academic All-State team with a 3.91 GPA by Crossface Magazine during the 1999/2000 season.  He is Slinger’s only 4x Conference, Regional, and Sectional champion, and was named Parkland Conference Player of the Year in 2001.  

A 4x state qualifier and 3x place winner, Potter took a 41-0 record into the Division I 125lb state finals his senior year, where he fell short of his ultimate goal of winning a state championship, losing by decision to defending champ, Travis Tritz, of Wisconsin Rapids.

Although opportunities were available, Potter chose to walk away from wrestling after his high school career came to a close.  He went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and currently works in the Commercial Real Estate Industry.   He resides in the Campbellsport area with his wife and sons.

Graduated 1989

Marc Ruesch was a two-sport athlete, letterman, and co-captain of the Football and Track & Field teams.  He earned the school’s Sportsmanship Award in 1988 and 1989.

During the 1988-89 Football season, Marc earned 2nd Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-County running back awards despite a mid-season-ending injury.  Marc competed in multiple events in Track & Field earning 1st Team AllConference and All-County awards eight (8) times and 2nd Team ten (10) times.   He was a member of the school’s record setting 4x800 Meter Relay Team in 1987 and set the Pole Vault record in 1989. Marc’s most accomplished event was Pole Vault where he was a WIAA Division 2 State Qualifier in 1987, 1988, and 1989; placing 7th, 6th, and State Champion respectively.  

Marc went on to join the NCAA Division 1 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Track & Field team as a walk-on and was awarded a full scholarship after his sophomore year.  As of 2011, he maintained Top 10 records on the school’s AllTime Honor Roll in Pole Vault, 4x200 Meter Relay, Pentathlon, and Decathlon.  

Following collegiate competition, Marc pursued coaching at the high school level joining the staff at Whitefish Bay High School (1998-2003).  He coached seven (7) WIAA Division 1 State Qualifiers and six (6) Top 10 finishers in Boy’s & Girl’s High Jump event.  He coached the 2002 Girl’s High Jump State Champion and 2003 Girl’s High Jump State Champion Runner-Up.

Marc credits his success to the support and encouragement from his coaches, teammates, and family.

Coach

Coach Steve coached at Slinger High School from 1976-2003. He is a Slinger graduate from the class of 1967, was a co-captain of both the cross country and track teams as well as a track State Qualifier and MVP his senior year. He then attended UW-Milwaukee where he lettered in both cross country and track. Steve had the privilege of being coached by John Tierney, who influenced and supported him in his quest to become an educator and coach.

After graduation, Steve taught social studies and served as boys’ head track and cross country coach for very competitive teams at Whitefish Bay Dominican.  As fate may have it, a lay-off at Dominican lead to Steve’s hiring as a Slinger Middle School teacher in 1974. His first coaching assignment was in wrestling, two years at the middle school and then two years at the JV level. During those first two years, Steve also volunteered as a track coach, helping both boys and girls.

In 1976 he became a high school counselor, was named head girls’ track coach, and he convinced the administration that it was time to sponsor girls’ cross country. Blessed with many dedicated and gifted athletes, Slinger girls’ track and cross country teams under Coach Bingen had numerous successful seasons.  The cross country team won the conference meet twelve consecutive seasons from 1977 to 1988. During this period Slinger was either the Sectional Champion or Runner-up nine times and qualified for the State Meet eight times. The 1978 and 1979 teams were State Runnerups. Cathy Branta (1978, 79, 80) and Diane Breuer (1986) were Individual State Champions.

In track, Slinger girls won the Scenic Moraine Conference Meet four consecutive years – 1977 to 1981. Beginning in 1983 and ending with the 1990 Conference Relays, Slinger dominated the Parkland Conference winning every Indoor, Outdoor or Relay Meet held. Under Coach Bingen, the Owls won 10 Regional and 6 Sectional titles and had State Qualifiers every year from 1978 through 1996. Individual State Champions included Cathy Branta (6x – ’79,’80,’81), Patty Boehlen (2x – ’86), Stacy Kundinger (’89) and Marc Ruesch (’89) the one year that Steve headed both the boys’ and girls’ teams. 

Graduated 1986

Patty was a 4-year letter winner and state champion in track and field. Her accomplishments include:

All-Conference 1st Team

• 1984 – Sophomore Year – Triple Jump, 800-meter relay
• 1985 – Junior Year – 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, Long Jump and Triple Jump
• 1986 – Senior Year – Triple Jump

All-Conference 2nd Team

• 1986 – Senior Year – 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and Long Jump

State Qualifier

• 1983 – Freshman Year – 800-meter relay (2nd place)
• 1984 – Sophomore Year – Triple Jump (placed and medaled)
• 1985 – Junior Year – 100-meter dash (3rd place), Triple Jump (4th place), 800-meter relay (4th place)
• 1986 – Senior Year – 100-meter dash (1st place), Triple Jump (1st place), 800-meter relay (4th place)

Team Highlights

1985 – Junior Year

• Conference Champions
• Regional Champions
• Sectional Champions
• 5th place at WIAA State Meet

1986 – Senior Year

• Conference Champions
• Regional Champions
• Sectional Champions
• 3rd place at WIAA State Meet

School Records

Current School Records:

• 100-meter Dash – 12.3
• Long Jump – 17’6”
• Triple Jump – 36’7”
• 800-meter Relay 1:45.76
• Also held the 200-meter dash record during high school career

Patty continued her success at UW-Oshkosh where she was a 3-time National Qualifier in the 400-meter relay and a National Qualifier in the Triple Jump. She was also a National Champion in the 400-meter relay and National Team Champion in 1990.  

Graduated 1998

Mitch Gehring was a very diverse athlete.  He earned 11 Varsity Letters in three sports (Football, Wrestling, and Track and Field).  While on varsity, Mitch earned several All-Conference recognitions along with several championships as part of the Parkland Conference.  His dedication to hard work was enough to compete at such a level for all four years that he qualified for state competition seven times.  He found himself on the podium five times.  In addition he was a participant in the Shrine Bowl his senior year.  He earned All-American status in Greco-Roman wrestling for his age division his freshman year.

Mitch was a very modest individual.  He always strove to be his best on and off the field.  Growing up, he was taught to have your actions speak for you, he seldom talked about his accomplishments.  Mitch would treat every competitor as if he were a state champ.  No matter how he finish he was gracious.  Mitch was the type to help up an opponent that he had just pinned, decleatted, or out thrown.

Since High School, Mitch went on to college at UWSP and was a member of the football and wrestling team.  He earned a second place conference finish.  During all that Mitch married his high school sweet heart and had his first daughter.  Last known Mitch had settled down back in Slinger with five children of his own.  He is truly grateful for the honor of being a Hall of Fame member. 

Graduated 1969

Rick (The Crusher) Scherr ranks as one of the best athletes in Slinger High School history.  In basketball, he is still tied for the record of most points in a basketball game with 37.  In track, his school record shot put of 59'7", led him to a second place finish at state. The record stood for 37 years, until 2006. He also threw the Discus- 157'11", which at the time was another school record.

He was the leading scorer on the Scenic Moraine Conference Championship basketball team which went 14-0, and topped 100 points three times, setting the still standing school record of 115 in the 1968-69 season.  That team also set the record for most wins in a season at the time with 18. Rick was voted First Team All-Conference.    

Rick played football his senior year and recovered 4 fumbles in one game, while also punting the ball over 70 yards in another. In baseball, Rick hit a homerun that is still believed to be the longest ball ever hit for Slinger High School, back when they were using wood bats.

Rick went on to become one of the greatest softball players ever. He played for 25 years in Wisconsin, Texas, and North Carolina. He broke the National Home Run Record two times, with 356 home runs in 1982 and in 1985 he hit 456 in 190 games.  Rick was voted “Softball Player of the Decade” for the 1980's, and named by the U.S. Olympic Committee the “1981 American Amateur Softball Athlete of the Year”.  Rick played in the 1989 Summer Olympics Festival in Oklahoma City for Team USA North, batting .720, hitting 13 homers and driving in 30 runs, leading his team to third place, and a Bronze Metal. That same year, he hit two home runs in a row that landed in the top of the bleachers in left field at the infamous Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska where the College World Series is played.  They estimate the balls traveled at least 450 feet.

He was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in 1994, ASA Hall of Fame in 2001, Wisconsin Softball Hall of Fame in 1997, and the North Carolina Softball Hall of Fame in 2001. Always proud to be an Owl!

Graduated 2005

During Ben Stollberg’s time as a student-athlete at Slinger High School he enjoyed much success as a three-sport athlete. Football, wrestling, and track provided him with year round opportunities to compete at a high level at the conference, regional, and state levels.  

In football he was named the team’s most valuable player in both 2003 and 2004. He was selected to numerous all-conference and allarea teams. In wrestling he enjoyed leading the team as a three-year captain with his words and actions in both practice and during matches. Aside from participating in the state wrestling tournament in both 2004 and 2005 his proudest accomplishment is never missing a practice in all four years he participated.  

As a track athlete he enjoyed the freedom that pole vaulting provided and loved participating in the state competitions for both pole vault and sprint events. His greatest accomplishment may have come as a member of the men’s track team that, together, won the conference, regional, and sectional championships.  

Off the field he took great pride in the academic portion of being a student-athlete. He was proud to represent Slinger High School as both a WIAA Scholar Athlete and as a Wendy’s High School Heisman finalist. He enjoyed his time as a student athlete as it provided him with experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Don is a graduate of Reedsburg High School (1966), Madison Area Technical College (1969), University of Wisconsin Platteville (1973) and a US Army Vietnam Veteran (1970/1971).  He worked at the West Bend Company for 26 years as an R & D Engineer designing small appliances for the home and received several United States Patents on coffeemakers.  

He always had an interest in photography and was the staff photographer for the American Speed Association 1985/1990 and a freelance photographer for Nascar Scene 1986/2008.  In 2009 he was inducted into the 4th Brigade, 506th Infantry Air Assault Distinguished Member of the Regiment (DMOR).  He was president for 4 years of the 506th veterans Association and currently serves on the alumni advisory board of MATC in Madison.

A past President of the People behind the Owls he helped expand the organizations functions. Over 45 different SHS clubs and or groups now benefit from helping at events.  He was the coordinator for the sale of Owl clothing memorabilia and took athletic individual, team, senior poster and buddy photographs for parents and thousands of athlete buddy buttons.  When he did find out about a specific need and determined what the impact was if funding wasn’t available at SHS he used his own funds to purchase the item.  Just in recent years Don has purchased two E-Z up tents for Cross Country and Track, the “Slinger Soccer” sign at our soccer stadium, donated funds for our OWL door mats you see entering the gym, and many other projects  that are too numerous to mention. Giving back when a need is identified is Don’s credo. Don sums up his entire experience at SHS in one word, “PRICELESS.” 

Graduated 1993 

Greg Zuern was a member of the 1991-1992 Slinger High School Varsity Football Team.  He rushed for 2,929 yards and scored 32 TD’s during his 2 years as a varsity player.  He was an All-Conference running back and linebacker.  He was named the 1992 Parkland Conference player of the year.  

Greg’s most memorable game was a playoff loss to Elkhorn, where he rushed for 354 yards.  He credits his teammates and football coaches, Fred Spaeth, Jim Kesow and Steve Acker, his track coach, for his success during his high school years.  

Greg was also a member of the 1993 4x100 meter relay team that finished 6th at the WIAA State Track Meet.

Greg feels very honored to be selected to the 2013 class of the Slinger High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Graduated 2001

A commanding figure engaged in multiple sports (basketball, volleyball, fast pitch softball and track and field), Janine represented the Slinger Owls by earning 10 varsity letters, 3 state appearances, 1 sectional, 3 regional and 8 conference championships.  

Both her freshman and junior year she qualified for State Track and Field events.  As a senior she secured her place in school history by leading the girls basketball team to the state championship game and setting a school record for most wins in a single season (22-5), surpassing the previous record set during her junior year.  

Her composure under pressure, competitive spirit and relentless passion for her school and athletics established respect amongst her team as well as her opponents.  

Emmer’s athletic dominance continued at the collegiate level playing both basketball and volleyball.  She earned All-American honors her junior and senior year for Ripon College.  Janine constantly demanded the best of herself while encouraging those around her. 

Graduated 1962

Don played football, basketball, and baseball in high school.  In football he was a two year starter and finished his senior year as a linebacker and quarterback.  In basketball he was all conference his junior and senior years and was team MVP in 1961.  He held the school scoring record from 1962-1990.  He was all-conference in baseball--1961 and 1962.  The team was conference champions in 62 and he was MVP.   He was the recipient of the Slinger Athletic Scholarship in 1962.  

He attended UW-Oshkosh and played baseball as a pitcher and outfielder.  The team won the conference championship in 1963.  As a freshman he was ranked 7th nationally in NAIA with an ERA of 0.76 and was captain his senior year.

During the next 20 years he played Rock River and State League Baseball.  In 1971 he played with the Madison A's and won the state and national titles.  

In 1994 he was inducted into the Rock River Hall of Fame and in 2000 was awarded the Rock Diamond Award.

He taught Physical Education in the Slinger Middle School from 19682001.  He was a coach at both the Middle and High School. . He was also a WIAA official for over 50 years.

He retired in 2001 and now lives in Conover, WI. with his wife Sandy.  They have three married children and eight grandchildren.   They winter in Zephyrhills, Florida where he plays softball in two leagues plus tournaments.  He set home run records in both leagues this past year.

Bob Johnson was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1946 after WWII, before going to UW Stevens Point.  After graduation from college he took a teaching position at Slinger High School in 1952.  

In his 41 years at Slinger High School Bob coached numerous sports. He was the boys’ volleyball coach from 1953 to 1959. His teams advanced to state tournament in Madison in 1954 and 1955. From 1953 until 1960 he was the varsity assistant football coach and the junior varsity head coach. From 1954 until 1971 he was also the junior varsity baseball coach. He was named the head boys’ basketball coach in1954 and would continue that until 1964.

Besides these numerous coaching positions Bob was also assigned the first Athletic Director position at Slinger High School in 1958 and continued that position until he retired in 1993 at the age of 67.  Over the period of time that Bob was the Athletic Director, the athletic programs grew from 4 sports to 16. 

Graduated 1999

A three-sport letterman in football, track and baseball, Rodee Schneider set school and state records while helping lead the Owl’s to their first WIAA state football championship.  The 1999 graduate began his varsity career as a freshman, competing for the first of many conference champion track teams.  He was brought up to the varsity football team his sophomore year, and as an undersized defensive end, he went on to lead the team in sacks and forced fumbles.

As the starting running back and defensive end for the 1997 WIAA state runnerup football team, Rodee was named 2nd Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-Area, and led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.  

His senior season saw the completion of the football team’s championship dream, when they beat Denmark 44-20 at Camp Randall Stadium.  His four trips to the end zone in that game tied a WIAA record for touchdowns in a championship, and brought his season total to 34. He went on to be named Team MVP, Parkland Conference MVP, 1st Team Offense and 2nd Team Defense All-Conference, All Washington County 1st Team Offense and Defense, AllRegion, All-State and All-Area Honorable Mention, a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Preps Plus Athlete of the Week, and Wisconsin Shine Bowl participant.  

During the 1999 track season, Rodee was captain and MVP for a squad that swept the Parkland Conference Championships. He won golds and set records in the 300 meter (39.5) and 110 meter hurdles (14.8) enroute to advancing to the state competition, where he finished 6th and 8th in his events. 

Graduated 2000

Cassi Haines (Seubert) excelled in basketball, volleyball, and track while remaining on the high honor roll.  She played a key role on many conference championship teams in all three sports.  While participating in these sports she set a number of records and earned a number of other awards some of which include:

Basketball

Back-to-back-to-back basketball conference champs 97-00

Individual Season Records - 1999-2000

Most points:  540 pts 
Highest Average:  23.4 ppg
Most Field Goals:  190  
Most Free Throws:  134
3 pt field goal%:  53%  

Individual Game Records

Most points game:  38 pts - 1999-2000
Most field goals:  16  - 1998-1999

Individual Career Records 1996-2000

Most Points:  1246 pts 
Highest Average:  17.3 ppg
Most 3 pt field goals:  58  
Most Field Goals:  463  
Most Free Throws:  262

Unanimous Parkland Conference Player of the Year - two years in a row 98-00 

1st team all-conference 3 years in a row 97-00 
All-Washington County 1st team 3 years 97-00
Three time Washington County Player of the Year 97-00
Twice Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Player of the Week
Wisconsin Basketball Players Association All-Star 2000

Track

State in 4x800m and 4x400m relays (4th and 6th place) 1998
State in 4x800m relay (3rd place) 2000
Part of Parkland Conference Champion in Indoor, Relay, and Outdoor in 1998 and 2000

Volleyball

Parkland Conference Champions 3 years in a row 1997-2000 
2nd Team All-Conference 1998
1st Team All-Conference 1999 and 2000
Team MVP 2000 

Graduated 1981

• 4 year letter winner in cross country and track.
• Holds school records in the 800 meter: 2:16, 1600 meters: 4:51.7 and 3200 meters: 10:39.
• Won conference championships in the 400 meters-1year, 800 meters-4 years, 1600 meters-4 years, and 3200 meters-3 years.
• 3 time State Cross Country Champion in cross country.
• 3 time State Track Champion in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs.
• Held the Class B/Div. 2 State record in the 1600 meter run for 26 years.
• 1981 Milwaukee Journal Prep Athlete of the Year.
• Received a full athletic scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to compete in cross country and track.
• Won 5 NCAA titles in cross country and track.
• Won 11 Big Ten titles in cross country and track.
• 2nd at the 1985 World Cross Country Championships in Portugal.
• Alternate for the 1984 Olympic team at 3000 meters.
• Currently the collegiate record holder at 5000 meters – 15:07.56.
• 3 time Wisconsin Athlete of the Year.
• Winner of the 1985 Jumbo Elliott Award in cross country and track.
• Winner of the 1985 Broderick Award for cross country and track.
• Inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.
• Inducted into the Wisconsin Cross Country Hall of Fame.
• Inducted into the Wisconsin Track Hall of Fame. 

Graduated 1988

Diane Breuer had a successful athletic career at Slinger High School participating in cross country, basketball, and track all 4 years. She was a member of the varsity cross country team which was the Parkland Conference Champion from 1984-1987. Diane was All Conference 1st Team all 4 years and individual 1st place in 1986 and 1987. She was a top finisher in both Regional and Sectional competitions during her cross country career. Her major accomplishment was winning the 1986 Class B WIAA State Championship.  

Diane played basketball all 4 years. She was one of the top scorers in 1984 with the team being undefeated for the first seven games. She played varsity basketball as a sophomore and was voted MVP by team members during the 1987-1988 season.  

She was also a member of an undefeated track team that was Parkland Indoor and Outdoor Champions, Parkland Relay Champions, and WIAA Regional and Sectional Champions. The team took 3rd place at the WIAA State Meet in 1985 and 1986. She was voted All Conference all 4 years during her high school career while competing in the 400M, 800M, 1600M run, and the 1600M Relay. Diane was an individual state qualifier during the 4 years she ran track for Slinger in different events including the 800M, 1600M relay, and the 1600M run and she was able to medal at state in these events throughout the years she competed.  

Diane received a scholarship and ran cross country and track at Marquette University. Currently she is president and owner of Riverview Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, S.C. and is married with two children.

Graduated 1999

Born and raised on a dairy farm, hard work and dedication were no stranger to JJ. His competitiveness probably came from being the youngest of four boys who were all respectable athletes. Besides carrying a 3.0 GPA, JJ lettered 11 times between football, wrestling, and track and field.  

On the football field, he was a varsity starter for 3 years and achieved many team awards. He was All-Conference Linebacker and Running Back for the 1997 season, which was a crucial role in the team’s conference championship that year. His performance helped propel the team to consecutive WIAA State Championship appearances; falling short in 1997 but bringing home the State Championship in 1998.  

On the wrestling mat, JJ had 100 career wins and took first place at various tournaments throughout the years. He was conference MVP back to back in 1997 & 1998 and competed in the state tournament twice, placing 4th in 1997 and 3rd in 1998.  

For track and field, he threw shot put and discus. In 1998, he helped secure a conference relay record for shot put of 156’9”. JJ was shot put conference champ in 1999 and earned 4th at state. His success also contributed to the team’s Triple Crown that year.  

On the field, JJ marveled his peers with his strength; but off the field, it was his gratefulness and honesty that won people over. A humble farm boy who was well respected for who he was in and out of the locker room. 

The oldest of Ted’s seven children began attending SHS in the late 1980’s and it was at this time that Ted began to get involved in the SHS athletic activities. After talking with several coaches and other parents, Ted approached the high school administration and asked permission to form a booster club. Permission granted, he founded the People Behind the Owls (PBO) and for the next ten years guided the club in raising funds and providing services to help improve the SHS athletic programs.  

Initial PBO dues were $5.00 per family which raised enough money to print schedules for major athletic events. Eventually these turned into annual PBO programs, which included team pictures, highlights, and schedules for the full school year.  

Up until the early 1990’s the SHS varsity football team played their home games on Friday afternoons at 4:00 pm. Ted saw the need to put lights on the field so more parents and community members could attend the games. After two years of fund raising, enough money was available to have the lights installed and to build a new concession stand.  

Ted’s favorite sport was football, and he was an avid supporter of the SHS Athletic Scholarship Fund. It was through a fund raiser that he was able to participate as “honorary coach of the day” when his youngest sons team won the WIAA Division 3 Football Championship at Camp Randall in 1998. Throughout the wonderful times spent at SHS, this will always remain his fondest memory! 

Graduated 1990

Stacy Kundinger earned 10 Varsity letters during her athletic career at Slinger High School, participating in cross country, basketball, and track from 1986 – 1990.

• All Conference in cross country 1986 -1990
• All Conference in basketball 1988 - 1990
• All Conference in track 1986 - 1990
• All State in cross country 1986 - 1988
• All State in track 1988 - 1990
• 4th Place finish at State in the high jump in 1990.
• State Champion in the high jump in 1989 and still holds the Slinger High School record with a jump of 5’5”
• Recipient of the Sherri Rohrer Memorial Scholarship in 1990.
• Recipient of a full athletic scholarship to play basketball for Loyola University of Chicago from 1990 - 1994.  Ran track for Loyola University of Chicago from 1990 - 1992.
• Played soccer for Loyola University of Chicago in 1993.
• Played softball for Loyola University of Chicago in 1994.
• Played professional women’s basketball for the Chicago Twisters of the Women’s Basketball Association in 1994 and won the Championship that same year.
• Coached college basketball at Lewis University from 1994 - 1997.
• Coached high school basketball at Immaculate Heart of Mary from 1997- 2001.
• Started and coached the girls basketball program Women In Nets, Inc. from 1997 – 2001.
• Coached softball at Lincoln-Way East High School from 2001 – 2011 and won the State Championship in 2002.
• Inducted into the Women’s Flag Football Hall of Fame in St. Louis in 2007.

Stacy is a firefighter and paramedic for the Village of Northbrook, Illinois since 2001.  She is also the proud mother of her amazing son, Caleb.

Coach

Coach Doug Potter was a teacher/coach at Slinger High School from 1965-1979. After graduating from West Bend High School in 1961, he attended LaCrosse State University where he excelled as a basketball player, leading the team in scoring during the 1964-65 season and being named to the 2nd team NAIA All-American basketball team.  

Upon graduating from LaCrosse, Doug began his career at Slinger High School teaching math and physical education while coaching varsity basketball and assisting with track. During his tenure he coached assistant track (1 year), JV football (5 years), assistant varsity football (3 years), varsity football (4 years), varsity golf (4 years), and varsity basketball (14 years). Coach Potter was best known for taking a struggling basketball program and turning it into one of the more respected programs in the area, winning two Scenic Moraine Conference championships (68-69, 76-77) and leading Slinger to its only appearance in the WIAA Boys State Basketball Tournament in 1977. During the 76-77 season, his team won a school record 21 games. Coach Potter’s overall record in 14 seasons at Slinger was 158-124.  

After leaving Slinger, Potter coached varsity basketball at Germantown and Oconomowoc before ending his career as Superintendent of Central High School District of Westosha.