Coach Ahl passed on 1 July 2001. Coach Ahl was one of the most important men in my life. I returned to Wisconsin several times to reconnect with him and thank him for teaching a tall underweight kid how to hurdle. I owe my college scholarship, USAF career and 17 years of high school teaching to his influence, Thanks Coach.
(The following information came from Jerry's family obituary in the Milwaukee Journal, July 2001)
Native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Played high school football for Sheboygan North where he was known as the "human dynamo." Attended La Cross Teacher's College where also played football. Education interrupted by WW II. Flew 35 missions as a bombardier with the 8th Air Force (Note: 35 missions over Germany with the Mighty Eighth! Well done, Coach! It is a miracle we even knew you!) Returned to La Cross after war to finish his schooling. Hired by Washington HS in 1948 as physical education teacher and assistant track coach. In 1951, was named head track coach. During his career of +30 years at Washington HS, his teams won seven city outdoor track championships, four indoor championships and other titles in the Milwaukee, Shorewood, and Maison West relays. Was Althletic Director for 12 years. Retired: June, 1981.
Mr. Ahl was also a member of the 440th Airflift, Wing Air Force Reserve. He retired as a Major. Was honored in 1961 for outstanding performance in counseling young men who wished to attend the US Air Force Academy.
Four children: Patricia, Gary, Steve (also an MPS teacher), Barbara
Died: July 1, 2001. Age: 78. Buried at Holy Cross Cemterey in Milwaukee.
A fine man. Did not know his war record. It proves he was a leader of young men and we followed. Even though I did other sports, not track, his influence was felt throughout the school, especially in athletics. A great man.
Dr. Jack Nusan Porter, class of 1962 living in Newton, Mass today.
Coach Ahl was a good man. Ran 180 yards low hurdles. He noticed I took 9 steps between hurdles not 7. I didn't chop my steps I just wasn't very tall. But he stuck with me and he was happier for me then I was when I took first place in a heat against Juneau.
Thomas Ivers (1958)
Coach Ahl was a fine teacher and good man.
Michael Weiland (1968)
Coach Ahl passed on 1 July 2001. Coach Ahl was one of the most important men in my life. I returned to Wisconsin several times to reconnect with him and thank him for teaching a tall underweight kid how to hurdle. I owe my college scholarship, USAF career and 17 years of high school teaching to his influence, Thanks Coach.
Timothy Staats (1968)
(The following information came from Jerry's family obituary in the Milwaukee Journal, July 2001)
Native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Played high school football for Sheboygan North where he was known as the "human dynamo." Attended La Cross Teacher's College where also played football. Education interrupted by WW II. Flew 35 missions as a bombardier with the 8th Air Force (Note: 35 missions over Germany with the Mighty Eighth! Well done, Coach! It is a miracle we even knew you!) Returned to La Cross after war to finish his schooling. Hired by Washington HS in 1948 as physical education teacher and assistant track coach. In 1951, was named head track coach. During his career of +30 years at Washington HS, his teams won seven city outdoor track championships, four indoor championships and other titles in the Milwaukee, Shorewood, and Maison West relays. Was Althletic Director for 12 years. Retired: June, 1981.
Mr. Ahl was also a member of the 440th Airflift, Wing Air Force Reserve. He retired as a Major. Was honored in 1961 for outstanding performance in counseling young men who wished to attend the US Air Force Academy.
Four children: Patricia, Gary, Steve (also an MPS teacher), Barbara
Died: July 1, 2001. Age: 78. Buried at Holy Cross Cemterey in Milwaukee.
Tim Staats, Class of 1968
Jack Nusan Porter (1962)
A fine man. Did not know his war record. It proves he was a leader of young men and we followed. Even though I did other sports, not track, his influence was felt throughout the school, especially in athletics. A great man.
Dr. Jack Nusan Porter, class of 1962 living in Newton, Mass today.
Neal Ciurro (1957)
Coach Ahl was a good man. Ran 180 yards low hurdles. He noticed I took 9 steps between hurdles not 7. I didn't chop my steps I just wasn't very tall. But he stuck with me and he was happier for me then I was when I took first place in a heat against Juneau.
Neal S. Ciurro