The ties that bind Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton athletics across generations were on full display as the district officially inducted its Class of 2026 into the JWP Athletic Hall of Fame.
While the 13 inductees had previously received praise across social media and local announcements, the banquet and ceremony at The Purple Goose served as the official capstone for a decorated group of athletes, coaches, and contributors. The celebration officially pushed the Hall of Fame’s ranks past the century mark, expanding total honorees from 92 to 105.
Candidates for the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Athletic Hall of Fame are selected annually by a dedicated committee based on the following established guidelines:
- Athlete: Must be out of high school for at least nine years (or college competition for at least five years) and a graduate of Janesville, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, Pemberton, Waldorf-Pemberton, or Waldorf High School.
- Coach: Must have completed at least 15 years of coaching service within the district (assistant coaching years count toward the total).
- Contributor: Must have at least 15 years of service in the district across roles such as youth coaching, assistant coaching, booster club, media, support staff, volunteer work, or individual merit.
- Selection Process: Nominations are reviewed annually and remain active for consideration for up to five years. If not selected within five years, a candidate must be re-nominated to reactivate their application.
The evening kicked off at 4:00 p.m. with a social hour packed with alumni, past inductees, family, friends, and local supporters. At 5:00 p.m., attendees gathered for a dinner featuring garden salad, a brisket meal with potatoes and corn, and cupcakes adorned with Bulldog blue sprinkles for dessert.
The formal program commenced at 6:00 p.m., beginning with a moment of remembrance for the late Gary “Boog” Cummins, a founding committee member and 2018 inductee. Established in 2017 under the leadership of Mike Niemczyk, the JWP Athletic Hall of Fame was created to ensure the rich athletic history of Janesville, Pemberton, and Waldorf is preserved for future generations.
“We wanted to honor the great athletes these schools have had over the years—great teams, state champions, wonderful coaches who mentored many,” Niemczyk remarked during the banquet. “It’s a chance for today’s generation of athletes to witness the expectations JWP has to offer.”
Throughout the ceremony, each inductee expressed deep gratitude for the nomination, frequently highlighting the community support, early morning workouts, and dedicated coaches that shaped their journeys.
- Bill Adams reflected on the accountability required on and off the wrestling mat, emphasizing the perseverance needed to endure loss and defeat while thanking his family, friends, and former matmates.
- Jeff Adams echoed that sentiment, thanking the Janesville community and his parents for the sacrifices made—from purchasing gear to early morning drop-offs. He shared how meaningful it was to uphold his family’s wrestling tradition, crediting his brother Bill for pushing him to greater heights and Coach Niemczyk’s tough love: “Work hard, stay late, and thank those who stick around when things get tough.”
- Angelie (Anderson) Welvaert, who followed her brother Jared into cross country, kept her remarks brief but poignant. Carrying forward the motto “Attitude is everything,” she fondly recalled tough practices and hilly courses at Camp Omega that prepared her for state competition. Today, the family tradition continues as all three of her children run cross country for JWP.
- Jared Anderson, a member of JWP’s inaugural cross country team who later coached one of the school’s most successful squads, commended the evening’s inductees and marveled at how far JWP’s athletic facilities have come since his youth.
- Shawn Fury brought humor to the podium, lightheartedly roasting the master of ceremonies over a past alumni game before turning reflective. Now living in New York, Fury recalled boyhood memories of watching local legends like Mike Sprengeler and the heartbreak of losing a section final to Maple River—a game he joked he is “finally over.” He praised his parents for their endless support of JWP sports long after his graduation, declaring, “Always a Bulldog!”
- Ann (Cowdin) Gerdts and Jason Gerdts were honored alongside each other as a couple. Ann spoke on the lasting significance of small-town community support, while Jason recalled the pride of wearing the jersey and giving everything on the field each game.
- Dana Gostomczik brought back memories of 1990s JWP wrestling dominance, state titles, and the thrill of wearing blue and silver. He thanked Coach Niemczyk for driving him against tough competition, noting that the tradition lives on as his young daughter joins Grizzly Wrestling.
- Gary Groebner credited the late Coach Wiebusch for trusting him as quarterback and catcher—positions he held for three seasons. Groebner also shared how he stepped into public address announcing on a whim, leading to a 14-year run as the “Voice of the Bulldogs.”
- Joe Schuch and Mike Schuch offered heartfelt thanks to coaches, teammates, and fans. Joe recalled packed gymnasiums where extra seating had to be brought in to accommodate, while Mike focused on the grueling practice sessions and late-night sacrifices that built character on the mat.
- Mike Sprengeler drew laughs by lamenting the lack of a three-point line during his playing era, while reminding the audience that wins don’t always measure hard work, character, and perseverance. He voiced pride in being part of the storied legacy of Bulldog and Golden Bear athletics.
- Jon Wheelock expressed gratitude to the committee, his parents, and Coach Niemczyk for pushing athletes to achieve excellence, noting how special it was to be inducted alongside so many former teammates.
Closing out the program, Mike Niemczyk thanked the sponsors, organizers, and attendees who made the banquet possible, celebrating another historic chapter in JWP sports.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 JWP Athletic Hall of Fame! May your efforts serve as inspiration to incoming generations of Bulldogs seeking glory on the mat, track, hardwood, or gridiron.
