Former Morrison, IL, athlete Keith Hensler was honored Friday night, August 29, 2014, at the school where he was a longtime teacher and coach. During the first home game of the season, the field at Mukwonago High School in Mukwonago, WI, was re-named Hensler Field.
Ten years after leading Mukwonago to its first State Championship, Hensler will return to the school where he coached for 27 years. With 236 victories, the Hall of Fame coach is ranked 21st among State coaches. He won eight Conference Championships, was a 15-time State Playoff qualifier, and won the Division I State title in 2004.
“I am shocked and humbled from this whole situation,” Hensler said. “I’m very proud and very grateful. There are a lot of people to thank for this honor.”
Assistant Lee Purdy commented, “Hensler understood the high school athlete better than anyone, and he wanted to be around as many kids as possible.”
The field’s dedication was a family affair, too, for Coach Hensler. His son, Matt, is the head coach at Badger High School in Lake Geneva, WI, and his team played his dad’s former team. “
“He taught me everything from A to Z. The best education was watching from an early age. Every player that stepped onto that field played for Coach Hensler and the community. It was unbelievable how hard some people played for him.”
Keith Hensler was great athlete for Morrison High School in the early 60’s, playing football, basketball, and running track. He is the son of the late Donald and Mae Hensler and the brother of Anne Frame.