KAUKAUNA — Former Head Coach Mike Schalow, who led the Kaukauna High School boys basketball team to two state titles before retiring last spring, has been honored with a John Wooden Legacy Award, the WBCA announced Monday.
Each year, the National High School Basketball Coaches Association teams with the Wooden family to present the award to a boys and girls coach in each state.
The recognition seeks to honor scholastic basketball coaches around the country who are educators and have achieved excellence on the floor, in the classroom and in the community that further embody the characteristics and legacy of Coach John Wooden.
The criteria for this award are rooted in the ideals of Education, Longevity, Character, Service and Excellence.
The 2026 John Wooden Award winners for Wisconsin:
Boys Coach Recipient: Mike Schalow, Kaukauna High School
Girls Coach Recipient: Caron Townsend, River Ridge High School
Schalow wrapped up his career last May with a 482-246 record, highlighted by two state basketball titles.
He also has six Fox Valley Association conference titles to his credit.
Schalow led the Ghosts to:
- 1 state runner-up finish
- 4 state tournament appearances
- 7 elite 8 appearances
- 4 sectional titles
- 13 sweet 16 appearances
- 17 regional titles
In June, Ryan Bowers was named head coach of the boys varsity basketball team to succeed Schalow.
