October 2, 2020 – West Bend, WI – Two West Bend East High School graduates who excelled in athletics while in high school and college will join the West Bend East and West High Schools Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday evening. A ceremony was held before the East vs. West Homecoming football game.
Tony Michels, West Bend East High School Class of 1983
Tony Michels made his mark on West Bend East athletics as a player and coach and today he continues to serve the West Bend School District as a teacher.
While a student at West Bend East from 1979-1983, Michels earned three varsity letters in football and basketball. In both sports, he was a three-year starter and was all conference and all state his junior and senior years. Michels is currently the all-time leading scorer in basketball for West Bend East with 975 points. He was even the starting shortstop in his one year playing varsity baseball for East.
Michels earned a football scholarship at Northern Michigan University and was a four-year starter. In 1985, he was named the team’s most valuable linebacker. He was a co-captain on the 1987 conference championship team that reached the NCAA Division II National Semifinals.
In addition to helping organize and develop the West Bend Youth Football Organization, Michels served as head coach of the East varsity football team for 14 years. During that time the team made six playoff appearances.
Today, Michels is a physical education teacher at Badger Middle School. Principal Dave Uelmen said, “Tony goes above and beyond to make sure every student has a positive experience every day. He continues to develop and encourage leadership, integrity, and hard work.”
“I am very honored to be inducted into the West Bend East and West High Schools Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Michels. “I would like to thank my former teammates, players, coaches, and coaching staff. This accomplishment would not be possible without their effort, courage, pride, and enthusiasm. I would also like to give a very special thank you to my family for their love and support throughout this amazing athletic journey.”
Joe Miller, West Bend East High School Class of 1981
Joe Miller’s amazing record in West Bend East athletics as a member of the swim team includes earning four varsity letters and multiple trips to the WIAA State Championships, culminating in a state championship.
As a sophomore at the WIAA State Championships Miller placed fourth in state in the 200M individual medley and second in the 100M butterfly. His junior year he placed fourth in the 200M individual medley and third in the 100M butterfly. He reached the top of the state his senior year when he won the 200M individual medley and the 100M butterfly. Miller was named the 1981 WIAA Boys Swimmer of the Year.
Miller attended Northern Illinois University on a swimming scholarship where he was the team captain his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He still holds the West Bend East and West swim team record in the 400M IM, 400M medley relay, 400M freestyle relay, and 800M freestyle relay.
Jim Sachse, the West Bend boys swim coach said, “Joe was one of the most focused hard-working swimmers I have ever coached. He was a team leader, he encouraged his teammates to do their best, and he also led by example training at 100 percent effort at all times.”
“I was fortunate to have a great coach and teammates along with a very supportive family. Thanks to all of them,” Miller said.