Mike Chapes
Class of 1985
Mike Chapes “The Greek” was a 1985 graduate of Mukwonago High School. While at Mukwonago Mike
earned ten varsity letters in in twelve seasons of participation; Track & Field (4), Baseball (4), and
Football (2). Lettering ten times in three sports earned him the “Indian Award” and “Most Outstanding
Male Athlete”.
In football Mike played defensive back, punt and kickoff return specialist as well as wide receiver. Mike
tied the school record for fumble recoveries (3), was named co-captain, hardest hitter by his position
coach and received All Conference Honorable Mention.
In track and field Mike was a four year varsity athlete who participated in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m,
4 x 100, 4 x 200, 4 x 400, long and triple jumps. By the end of high school Mike was a part of a “Back to
Back Conference and Regional Championships”, a Sectional Championship, MVP, Captain, individual
Conference Champion in the triple jump and 4 x 400. Mike went on to become Regional and Sectional
Triple Jump Champion in addition to qualifying for State. Mike leapt into the MHS record books with a
leap of 42’ 11 ¾”, which stood in the top ten of all time triple jumps until 2014. Mike was also part of the
record setting M-Club Relay in the long jump relay of 62 plus feet.
As a four year varsity baseball player Mike played every position on the team, but first base. In his four
years Mike accumulated a record setting batting average of .450 with one strike out. His senior season
Mike received honors as captain, MVP, All Conference, Batting Champion, All Area and All State
recognition. Mike also set single season records with a .484 batting average, on base percentage of .564,
slugging percentage of .806. Following high school Mike had tryouts with the Cubs and Mets.
After a car accident and a screw in his right shoulder Mike went on to attend UW-Whitewater as a
student, and track & field coach. Mike coached track for 29 years, 13 at Mukwonago and was the
President of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association. Mike graduated with a minor in Coaching and BSE
in Physical Education, only to follow this up with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and
Director of Instruction.
Mike currently serves as an elementary principal just south of La Crosse where he lives with his wife Liz,
and four children Alexandria, Victoria, Dylan and Grant. Mike would like to thank his parents, fellow
classmates, teachers, and all the coaches who pushed him to excel; Tietjen, Hoagland, Becker,
Ackerman, Cottrell, Hensler, Enright, Lammers and Furlong. I am honored and humbled to be inducted
into the Mukwonago Hall of Fame!