West Bend — Jim Sachse, a fixture in the West Bend East and West High Schools boys swimming and diving program for the last 50 years, was awarded the Prudence Pick Hway Coach of the Year Award for 2025.
Sachse was an assistant coach for three years, and the head coach for 47 years. Thirty-one of those years were spent as head coach of the East High School boys team and 16 as head coach of the boys co-op team.
While Sachse’s contributions to the swimming and diving program at the West Bend High Schools has been immeasurable, the 2024-2025 season was especially successful. Sachse’s team was North Shore Conference Varsity and Junior Varsity Champions.
Members of the team qualified for the WIAA Division 1 State Championships in 12 events and finished in fifth place as a team—the best team finish in school history. In fact, the 200 Medley Relay ranked sixth best in WIAA Division 1 history. The team also broke a total of 20 school records during the season.
This coach of the year award was established in 2015 by Prudence Pick Hway, granddaughter of Carl Pick, to recognize a West Bend High Schools athletic team coach whose character and accomplishments during the previous school year best exemplify several criteria. The award is voted on by East and West coaching peers. The criteria include:
● Is a positive role model to students in all respects; he or she has demonstrated consistent and outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and a positive and motivational attitude.
● Is committed and dedicated to the team’s overall development over the entire season.
● Coaches at the highest standard throughout the season ensuring the team’s success.
● Always demonstrates that the success and wellbeing of each student is his highest priority.