Ted Voigt was tall and graceful with an engaging smile. Underneath that likable persona was a gritty competitor. He didn’t win many cross-country races, 6’8” is a little tall for long distance running, but he competed hard and increased his stamina and strength. Voigt lettered and competed in the high jump. A master at motivating himself, his personal best of 6’2” was cleared after seeing his former girlfriend holding hands with a classmate. He was a valuable member of the great teams of Coach Steve Janto in the early 60’s. Playing on a team which had four members go on to play Division I basketball and the 5th starter become a Division I football All American required a steady leader. Ted, a natural leader, was one of the captains. Possessing a wide array of moves under the basket and a deft jump shot, he averaged 14.8 points and 14.5 rebounds per game for the 1964 and 1965 Suburban Conference Champions. The 1965 team qualified for the State Tournament. The pre-tournament favorite, Tosa East was upset in the first round before winning their last two games to finish as Consolation Champions. Voigt was selected All State Honorable Mention to go with his 2nd team All Suburban selection. He was a three year letterman at the University of Wisconsin who will always be remembered for his prodigious dunk over UCLA’s Lew Alcindor. Voigt is a member of the Wisconsin Coach’s Hall of Fame after coaching at Lakeland Union High School for 38 years.
