John Filonowicz, a true Wauwatosa High pioneer and visionary, was the first Athletic Director for Wauwatosa High School and coached basketball and football.
John’s coaching prowess was evident when he led the basketball team to Wauwatosa High’s first Conference Championship. Their triumph over Marquette in the 1923 – 1924 season, a year before the Suburban Conference was established, was a testament to his leadership. The team’s subsequent success at the State Tournament, where they won Consolation, further solidified his coaching legacy. As Boys’ Basketball Coach, he maintained the highest winning percentage of .689 (31W/14L) for over twenty years. John also served as Head Football Coach and, in 1924, achieved the first winning record for the Wauwatosa Cardinals. John was also a tremendous visionary who established minor sports, including intramural basketball, swimming, hockey, volleyball, baseball, golf, and tennis. These extracurricular activities captured the interest and attention of 175 students beyond the 80 athletes involved with WIAA-sanctioned sports, including track, football, and basketball. This decision ultimately set the stage for Wauwatosa High School to compete with newly sanctioned WIAA sports added to the Suburban Conference over the next two decades.
