Sturgeon Bay High School is excited to announce the induction of three outstanding individuals into the Sturgeon Bay High School Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees include Barbara Klapatch (Fondow), Casey Rabach, and Jim Benesh. Each of these individuals has excelled on and off the field/court and has made lasting contributions to the rich tradition of Sturgeon Bay Athletics, School, and Community.
Barb graduated from Sturgeon Bay in 1974. Barb distinguished herself as a multi-sport athlete, known for her leadership, determination, and dedication. Barb was a four-year letter winner in track, a two-time letter winner in volleyball, and earned a letter in basketball. Barb qualified for the state track meet in two events as a sophomore. Earning second place in the 80-yard hurdles and 1st place as the anchor of the 880 relay team that set a state record. Sturgeon Bay won the State Class B title that year. In Barb's junior year, she qualified for state in three events: the 80-yard hurdles and long jump, and she was the anchor on the 880 relay team. Sturgeon Bay took second place this year in the Class B Division. In Barb’s senior year, she qualified in three events again. She won the 80-yard hurdles with a state record time of 10.93 this time. Barb was also the state champion in the long jump with a jump of 17’ 4 ¼. Finally, Barb took 5th place in the 220-yard final. Sturgeon Bay took 3rd place as a team this year in the Class B division.
Barb still holds three Sturgeon Bay High School track records. The 80-yard hurdles, long jump, and 220-yard sprint. Barb was also a member of the 1972 undefeated volleyball team and was awarded the most valuable defensive player on the basketball team. Barb’s achievements set the standard for future Clippers and left a lasting legacy in the school’s athletic history.
Casey graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1996. He made a significant impact as a competitor and teammate, earning recognition throughout his career for exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence. Casey was a three-sport athlete, earning letters in Football, Basketball, and Track. He was a member of the 1993 Sturgeon Bay Football State runner-up team.
After high school, Casey took his talents to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played football for the Badgers from 1996 to 2000. At Wisconsin, Casey was a third-team All-American in 2000, a 2-time all-Big Ten first-teamer in 1999 and 2000, and was second-team in 1998. After college, Casey had a lengthy career in the NFL, lasting from 2001 to 2011. Casey was drafted in the third round of the 2001 draft by the Baltimore Ravens with the 92nd pick. Casey played for Baltimore from 2001-04, then for the Washington Redskins from 2005-2010. Finally, Casey went back to the Baltimore Ravens in 2011 before retiring. Casey started 118 games in his NFL career. Casey is also the Founder of the 5th Quarter Foundation, which gives back to the Door County area youth and athletics. Casey is currently a football coach at UW-Madison. Casey’s influence extends beyond the athletic arena as he inspires generations to push their limits.
Jim Benesh brought honor to Clipper Nation both as a coach, teacher, and athletic supporter. Known for his passion for the game and commitment to Sturgeon Bay athletics, Jim’s contributions helped strengthen the athletic programs and foster a sense of school pride. Jim coached many sports at Sturgeon Bay High School. These included Cross Country (1990-91), Football (1990-97), Girls Basketball (1992-95), Boys Basketball (1995-2022), and Softball (1992-2020). Jim had numerous successes while coaching. These include being a coach on the 1993 state runner-up football team, winning the conference in his first season as Girls Head Basketball coach in 1992-93, and winning six conference championships and four regional titles as the Boys Head Basketball Coach. Jim has over 400 coaching victories as the head basketball coach (Boys/Girls) at Sturgeon Bay High School.
Jim was also inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaching Association Hall of Fame in 2022. Jim always felt very blessed to have worked with many great people in his teaching and coaching career in Sturgeon Bay. Jim loved being an educator and coach. He could often be heard saying, "Make it happen!" or "Place yourself in a position to be successful." But Jim’s most famous saying was "It's a Great Day to be a Clipper!" And this saying inspired the name of a scholarship given to SBHS Seniors. Jim always thanked his wife, Amy, and daughter, Hailey, for supporting his career and dedication to Clipper Nation.
The 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction will take place on September 19th. There will be a meet and greet at 6:00 P.M. in Alumni Hall at Sturgeon Bay High School, where friends, family, former teammates, and community members are invited to celebrate these remarkable individuals. There will be hors d'oeuvres and refreshments served at this time. At halftime of the Football game (game start time 7:00 P.M.), these individuals will receive a plaque at center field to honor their great
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