“The Surprise Boys” of 1947

By Blue Dukes Media Team | September 28, 2016

1947 Whitefish Bay High School varsity football team.

The 2016 Blue Dukes continue to win their way closer to another North Shore Conference title because of talented players, smart coaching, team work and the magical power of “Duke Pride.”

If you page through old high school yearbooks that “never say die” spirit seems hard-wired into the DNA of each player who’s suited up to take the field.In no year was that more apparent than 1947 when the varsity overcame a tough start to the season and went on to win the suburban championship.

But, we’ll let the students who produced that year’s edition of the Whitefish Bay High School yearbook tell their story.

“Dropping their first game of the season to Shorewood, the Bays became the “Dark Horse” team of the conference. Following this up with a pair of impressive wins, they gained the nickname of the ‘Surprise Boys.’ Then in the South Milwaukee game, the almost 50% pass completion average of the Bay team showed to advantage. The following Friday night portrayed a hard fought battle against Cudahy, who won a field goal in the last thirty seconds of the half. A Varsity ‘breather’ with Juneau started the team rolling toward their final three victories. They closed the season with easy wins over Tosa and West Milwaukee and a hard fought upset against Waukesha. Outstanding coaching combined with determination, led the Blue and Grey to their second conference title.

Co-Captains John Dallman and Jim O’Brien, and Bill Kuehl were awarded positions on the All-Suburban Team for their outstanding performance.

A terrific year in ’48 is ahead with eight returning lettermen and a COACH, which very possibly might lead to another championship.”