The 1920’s were often referred to as sports Golden Age, and Wauwatosa High Schools golden boy was Gordy Stark. Stark could not only run like the wind but he had the moves of a water bug. During Stark’s three year high school career he lettered nine times and his senior year was elected MVP and Captain of the football team, the basketball team, and the track squad. A running back and linebacker in football during an era where high school teams only passed out of desperation and a premium was placed on stopping the run on defense, Stark earned all conference honors at both positions. His slithering hips made him hard to tackle and with his ability to reach top speed in a matter of strides, Gordy’s regular long runs were a thing of beauty. Basketball in the ‘20’s was not the modern game of today. Rules varied by conference with some conferences not allowing the dribbler to shoot, and passing was just becoming a new way to set up a score. Defense ruled the day and Stark, with his lightening quick feet and hands was one of the best. Led by Stark, the ’25-’26 Wauwatosa High School team won Conference and Sectional Championships. Track was Stark’s love. Blessed with great acceleration to match his speed, he became the first great hurdler in school history. His junior year he was undefeated in the 120 Yd. High Hurdles as he won the school’s first state hurdle championship.
