Earl Accola, a pioneering coach of the 1930s and 1940s, played a significant role in shaping the sports landscape of Wauwatosa High School. Following John Filonowicz’s departure, he embraced John’s vision and was instrumental in organizing and integrating minor sports into competitive sports and teams for the newly formed Suburban Conference. As Head Coach, Earl Accola achieved numerous Suburban Conference Championships for Wauwatosa High School. His motivational coaching style led to track and speed skating championships in 1939, volleyball in 1934 and 1935, and golf in 1932, 1934, 1935, and 1936. He also played a crucial role in honing the skills of Burleigh Jacobs, TEHOF’s first inductee of 2015, who claimed the gold medal and won the State Golf Championship in 1937. In addition, he coached baseball, hockey, and cross-country and served as an Assistant Football Coach under Martin Jackson in football.
