APPLETON, WI – One of the most successful coaches in Wisconsin high school football history will soon receive one of the state’s highest honors.
Former Xavier High School head football coach Dave Hinkens has been selected for induction into the 2027 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Hinkens headlines a class of distinguished coaches, officials, and contributors who will be honored during the WFCA Hall of Fame Banquet on April 10, 2027, in Middleton.
Hinkens built Xavier into one of Wisconsin’s premier football programs during his tenure with the Hawks. Under his leadership, Xavier became a perennial state contender, earning multiple conference championships and deep playoff runs while establishing a reputation for excellence both on and off the field.
OTHER INDUCTEES
- Charles Ellis — Racine Park Academy
- Tom Fiedler — Longtime Wisconsin football official
- Randy Hatlen — Cassville and Lomira High Schools
- Brian Pottinger — Reedsburg High School
- Fritz Rauch — Homestead and Arrowhead High Schools
- Mike Schmitt — Ripon College
- Jason Tubbs — Stratford High School
- Ben Veit — West Allis Central, Wauwatosa West, Brookfield Central, Brookfield East, and New Berlin West High Schools
- Robert Vitale — New Berlin Eisenhower, Menomonee Falls, and Catholic Memorial High Schools
- Richard Zahn — Winnebago Lutheran Academy
Additional Statewide Honors
The WFCA also announced several special award recipients:
- Steve Jorgensen (Bay Port and Kimberly) will be inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
- Paul Nievinski of Mosinee High School will receive the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award.
- Jason Gorst of Spencer and Columbus Catholic High Schools will receive the Marge and Dick Rundle Positive Influence of Coaching Award.
The 2027 WFCA Hall of Fame Banquet is scheduled for April 10, 2027, at the Marriott West in Middleton.
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