Ralph Smedema
Teacher, Coach

    Ralph is a 1954 graduate of Randolph High School and a 1958 graduate of UW-Plateville where he starred on the basketball court earning All-American honors twice and leading the nation in rebounding his senior year, setting a record that still stands today.  Ralph served the U.S. Army in Germany and returned to teach and coach for the next 31 years.  He began teaching at Mukwonago in 1969 teaching industrial arts and coaching basketball, football, and track and yes, even wrestling.  Ralph felt very privileged to be able to coach all of his four children in one or more sports.

    Ralph’s greatest assets as a coach and teacher was the respect and rapport he developed with the kids and the consistent positive demeanor he maintained with all who worked with him.

    Ralph is survived by his wife Shirley who was also a long time member of the community and the Mukwonago High School staff. 

    Yes, Ralph Smedema certainly left his mark on MHS.

2004 INDUCTEE
MUKWONAGO HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
AUGUST, 2004