William Eilert

William Eilert was a key contributor to the Wauwatosa High School Swimming Team’s run of four consecutive Suburban Conference and State Championships during the mid 1940’s. Eilert was a fun loving, gregarious individual who turned into a gritty competitor when he entered the pool. He never tired of the hours and hours of practice and his “never quit” attitude paid dividends as he became known for his furious closing kicks. Eilert caught many a competitor at the end of the race who thought they had victory in their grasp. His best individual event was the backstroke but he excelled at all strokes. He was undefeated during his sophomore season in the 75 Individual Medley as he won the individual Suburban Conference Championship and followed up with the individual State Championship as a member of the 1945 Suburban Conference and State Champion teams. In his junior year he repeated his undefeated run in the 75 Individual Medley culminating in yet another individual Suburban Conference and State Championship. In his senior year of 1947 he lost only two 75 Individual Medley races, both to the same competitor, placing 2nd in the Suburban Conference meet and the state meet. Adding to his runner up finishes he won 1st place in the Suburban Conference meet and was State Champion in the 100 Backstroke. Following the 1946 season Eilert gained All American honors.