Meet the Fourth Class of Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Established in 2016, USM’s Athletic Hall of Fame commemorates exceptional athletic performance and accomplishments by former student athletes, coahces, teams, and distinguished contributors. Inductees are selected by a committee and will be added to the Hall of Fame wall, named in honor of Henry “Chip” Uihlein Jr. MCDS’63, and located in USM’s Quadracci Lobby.

Athletes

Josh Baker ’12

As a three-sport athlete in baseball, basketball, and soccer from 2009 to 2012, Baker earned a total of 12 varsity letters. In 2012 he received the Henry H. Uihlein Sportsmanship Award for outstanding athletic achievement and character; was named to the First Team All-State high school baseball team; and received the state player of the year award. Baker was captain of the baseball, basketball, and soccer teams during his senior year, where he earned First Team All-Conference honors in all three sports he played, and was an instrumental member of the 2010 state championship baseball team.

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Tope Awe Berry ’03

Berry excelled at volleyball, basketball, and track and field and was the captain of the track and field team during her junior and senior years. She also served as the captain of the volleyball and basketball teams as a senior. In 2003, she earned the Marion Chester Read Sportsmanship Award for her abilities and leadership on the field. She earned First Team All-Conference honors her senior year in track and field. She was part of the state championship 4x100 meter relay team and held the USM record for shot put (39’-6 ¾”) and discus (116’-11”). 

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Porter Jones ’96

He was an integral member of USM’s 1994-95 conference championship hockey team, but Jones is perhaps best remembered for his skills in tennis. He was a WISAA state champion an unprecedented four times, and was ranked the top singles player in the state from 1993 to 1996. He was the team’s MVP all four years, and served as captain in 1995 and co-captain in 1996. He held a 58-9 record in singles tennis, and was undefeated his junior and senior years. At Duke University, he helped the tennis team advance to the NCAA quarterfinals in three of the four years he played there.

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Henry Leadingham Jr. MCDS’62

At Milwaukee Country Day School, Leadingham accumulated 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. He ran varsity track beginning in 8th grade, and competed in 10 or more different track and field events. He excelled in football as the primary receiver in Ken Laird’s passing game; earned Midwest Prep All-Conference honors his junior and senior years; and was named “honorable mention” for the all-state football team in 1961. He was named one of four metropolitan Milwaukee top prep stars of the year in 1962, and matriculated to Lake Forest College, where he played football and ran track from 1963 to 1967.

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Kate Elsner Lilek ’75

Lilek accumulated 13 varsity letters while participating in four sports during Upper School—a rare accomplishment. From 1972 to 1975, Lilek led the Wildcats to victory in field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and softball. She was named captain of the field hockey, basketball, and softball teams her senior year, earning team MVP honors in each of those sports. Lilek matriculated to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she played—and later coached—field hockey. In 1982, Lilek returned to USM to teach art and coach field hockey and girls soccer, roles she held for 12 years.

Coach

Tom “Butch” Richardson

Richardson coached a variety of sports during his 40-year teaching career at USM, but he may be best known for his long tenure as USM’s varsity track and field coach, a role he held from 1972 to 2007. His team won the WISAA State Class “C” Championship in track and field in 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979. He also led the Wildcats to the WISAA State Class “B” Championship in 1991, and state runner-up in 1992, and accumulated several conference championships. In September 2012, USM’s track was dedicated as the Tom “Butch” Richardson Track in recognition of his significant contributions.

Team

1974 Football Team

The 1974 football team was one of the most successful teams in USM’s history. Under the coach Charlie Kerr, the team went undefeated with a 9–0 record during a time when the Midwest Classic Conference was considered particularly challenging. Known for their great sense of competitiveness, camaraderie, and coachability, the team dominated under captains Joe Pembroke ’75, Les Heintz ’75, and Kevin Delimat ’75. Highlights include their 32–14 victory over St. Louis Country Day School, a notoriously tough opponent, as well as an 18–14 victory over perennial conference contender, Martin Luther High School, to win the conference title. 

Distinguished Contributor

USM Booster Club

Founded in the late 1990s by USM parents, including Susie Read and Peggy Grebe, the USM Booster Club has played an influential role in promoting school spirit, positive school culture, and a sense of pride and excitement around the school’s athletic programs. From selling concessions to providing spirit items for pep rallies and organizing team celebrations, the dedicated Booster Club parents have helped positively transform the culture of the USM community for decades. Each year, Booster Club members dedicate hundreds of hours and generate revenue that supports athletic programs in Middle School and Upper School. 

Save the Date

The 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11. Visit www.usm.org/hof for more information.