When Bob Hanke arrived at Wauwatosa High School to begin a swimming program that would dominate state competition during the 1940’s he was looking for athletes who were willing to learn and work hard. William Huegin was one of those athletes and the first of the great Wauwatosa swimmers. Willing to put in the endless laps necessary to hone his skills and to make the long trek from the high school to Hawthorne Junior High School’s pool for the daily practice, Huegin’s dedication resulted in a string of championship performances. Known for his powerful kicking and perfect turns, Huegin was accomplished in all events but especially talented in the backstroke. He was unbeaten during the 1939 and 1940 seasons culminating in individual Suburban Conference Championships in the 100 Backstroke. He added the 75 Individual Medley individual Suburban Conference Championship during the1940 season leading Wauwatosa to its first Suburban Conference Swimming Team Championship. With his victory in the 100 Backstroke at the 1939 State Meet, Huegin became Wauwatosa High School’s first ever individual swimming state champion. He repeated his performance as state champion in the 100 Backstroke at the 1940 State Meet and added the 75 Individual Medley Championship in a dominating performance which inspired his teammates to the 1940 State Championship, the school’s first ever team State Championship in swimming. His times in the 1940 State Meet garnered him honors on the high school All American Team.
