Over the Decades: The 1970s

1970s

Walt Kroll led the Dons to a 19-games-over-.500 record in the 1970s (58-39-2), a .596 pace. The homecoming-win tradition continued with a 7-3 mark.

The 1974 team recorded many firsts including most games ever played by a Wisconsin high school team, initial WISAA playoff showings, and the Dons first state championship appearance.

Other distinguishing marks of the ‘70s were elevation of the kicking game into the game plan and mastery of the punt return as a scoring weapon. Columbus football also waved good-bye to nine-game schedules during this period.

Bob Rose established himself as one of CHS’s best linemen of all time with back-to-back years being named to the All-Conference team on both offense and defense—a feat occurring only one other time.

Led by Rose, the 1970 squad’s defensive unit recorded 20 straight scoreless quarters. The 1973 unit upset Assumption 22-14, the only blemish on the Royals march to the state championship.

The 1974 team earned its way into the playoffs with a critical regular season finale win over Marquette in Milwaukee. Earlier this unit registered 68 points against Campion—a number never topped.

Record-wise, the 1975 team’s 9-2 ledger was not bettered during the decade; this crew also boasted more seniors (18) than any other navy-and-white unit in school history.

The 1976 team distinguished itself by yielding a paltry 8.3 points per game and Scott Radlinger became the first CHS running back to be named both ways for All-CWCC honors in 1977.

Joe Henrichs led the 1970s scorers with 120 tallies, followed by Bob Dickman (108) and Gary Skaya (100).

Dave Draxler and Dean Dix threw for 22 and 21 TDs respectively. Top receivers were Bob Dickman (11 TD catches) and Brian Fehrenbach (10 TD catches). Ed Sheahen nabbed nine TD throws enroute to a record-breaking 42-catch season.

Brian Fehrenbach ensconced himself as the second of Columbus’ three great all-time punt returners with five boots returned all the way during the 1973 and 1974 campaigns.

Six players were twice named to All-CWCC teams in the 1970s: Bob Rose, Steve Burr, Brian Fehrenbach, Jerry Weinfurtner, Greg Herkert, and Bruce Norfleet.

Beside Bob Rose, Al Nikolai (1976), Scott Radlinger (1977), and Chris Zygarlicke (1978) achieved All-CWCC heights, offensively and defensively, in the same autumn season.