St. Charles North's Genke relishes hall of fame induction

This is for all of the high school student-athletes and some of their parents as well.

More often than not, your son's or daughter's coaches know what they're talking about.

Heck, they likely were solid athletes themselves back in the day.

St. Charles North baseball coach Todd Genke was a 3-sport athlete while attending high school in Greenfield, Wis.

He was a quarterback on the football team.

He was a point guard on the basketball team.

He was a pitcher/shortstop on the baseball team.

Upon graduation, Genke attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he was a 4-year starting pitcher on the Warhawks' baseball team from 1990-93.

Earlier this summer, Genke received a welcome phone call from his former college coach, Jim Miller, saying he was a UW-Whitewater 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame member.

"It was an awesome call," said Genke. "Coach (Miller) called and said he wanted to be my sponsor."

Genke, who learned of his hall of fame nomination a year ago, figured that it could take some time before receiving the "call."

"Sometimes it can take a few years to get the call," said Genke.

Humbled upon receiving the news, Genke also had a good chuckle.

"At first, I laughed to myself and thought, 'doesn't this happen to old people?' " he asked.

Yes, it happens - occasionally even to 44-year-olds.

Earlier this month, UW-Whitewater recognized its 51st Hall of Fame class during the Warhawks' football game against Findlandia (Mich.).

"It was a great day," said Genke, who helped lead the Warhawks to three NCAA Division III baseball tournament appearances during his career. "I was fortunate to celebrate the day with my wife, mom, two sisters and brother-in-law.

"We attended a tailgate party prior to the football game and then received our plaques on the 50-yard line at halftime," he added. "After the game, we met back at one of the buildings and went to the banquet. It was a remarkable and humbling experience."

Genke, a 6-foot, 190-pound right-hander, enjoyed a memorable playing career at UW-Whitewater.

"I loved the competition," he said. "I still do. I loved the confrontation between the pitcher and hitter.

"I really cherished my time in college and had great teammates. Quite a few of my former teammates came back to the Hall of Fame ceremonies."

Growing up in suburban Milwaukee, Genke had no problems choosing to attend UW-Whitewater.

"Coming out of high school, I had a few decent offers to go other places but Whitewater was only an hour away so my family could still attend games," said Genke. "Whitewater is a great place. They get a good mix of Illinois and Wisconsin kids. I think it's a hidden gem."

Genke, a 2-time honorable mention All-WIAC selection, earned all-region, all-conference and Most Outstanding Pitcher status after compiling a 5-3 record and 2.57 ERA during his senior season. He pitched 9 complete games, including a pair of shutouts.

In April of his senior campaign, Genke tossed the second no-hitter in school history during the Warhawks' 9-0 victory over Carroll.

"It happened the day before my birthday," said Genke, who fanned 10. "I pitched two no-hitters in high school and carried another into the seventh inning later that year at Whitewater."

Genke, who posted a 12-9 career collegiate mark, prided himself on pitching complete games. He still holds the program record for career complete games (19).

"When I started, I wanted to finish it," said Genke, who touched 92-93 mph on the radar gun as a pitcher. "It's what I believe as a coach, too. I think there's something said for letting kids go out and finish.

"It happened in our sectional final last year against Glenbard North. I went to the mound in the sixth inning to talk with Tyler Mettetal and he said it was his game to finish. I got a smile on my face because that's how I was. I didn't want to come out."

Genke, who ranks among the top 10 in innings pitched, strikeouts and shutouts at UW-Whitewater, was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1993 and enjoyed a 10-year minor league professional career.

"(Former major leaguer) Bob Wickman was a sophomore when I was a freshman," said Genke. "When we played doubleheaders, he'd pitch the first game and all the scouts were there to watch him. A few stayed to watch the second game and I caught someone's notice. I owe Bob because he brought the scouts there."

Genke viewed himself as an underdog during his playing days.

"Let people doubt you," he said. "Let them be the guiding force for you."

Craig Brueske can be reached at csb4k@hotmail.com.