This past Saturday night, Port Washington High School proudly hosted the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, honoring five exceptional Pirates whose legacies of athletic excellence, leadership, and service continue to inspire generations.

The evening celebrated the extraordinary journeys of Eric Burke, Mark Ewig, Peter Metz, Peewee Mueller, and Tim Brown, each of whom represents the very best of Port Washington High School athletics—both on the playing fields and far beyond. Their stories will inspire Pirates for generations to come.

2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

Eric Burke (Class of 1986)

This past Saturday night, Port Washington High School proudly hosted the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, honoring five exceptional Pirates whose legacies of athletic excellence, leadership, and service continue to inspire generations.

Eric Burke’s legacy in Port Washington is defined by visionary leadership, athletic excellence, and a lifelong commitment to youth and community. A conference wrestling champion during his time at PWHS, Eric returned in 1995 to launch a transformative coaching career. As head coach from 1999–2004, he guided the Pirates to a 62–30 overall record, three straight conference titles, and a WIAA State Team appearance. He co-founded the Piranha Wrestling Club, started the Middle School Team, and introduced future champions—such as Alex Dieringer—to the sport. Even after stepping down, Eric remained a volunteer coach, helping shape 10 additional conference title teams.

Off the mat, Eric’s influence was equally profound. He served as Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and later Principal at PWHS, where he championed student leadership, oversaw a major facilities referendum, and created lasting programs like Port Pride and the Community Mentor Program. Under his leadership, PWHS earned the state’s highest rating of Significantly Exceeds Expectations. Today, as Superintendent in Rhinelander, Eric continues to lead with purpose. His induction recognizes a career defined by mentorship, service, and lifelong Pirate pride.

Mark Ewig (Class of 1966)

One of the most versatile athletes in school history, Mark Ewig earned varsity letters in football, basketball, track, and baseball. A two-time unanimous All-Braveland Conference selection in football, he was named All-State and Honorable Mention All-American as both an offensive and defensive end. In basketball, he was twice All-Conference, and in track he captured the 1966 Class B State Championships in both the high and low hurdles.

Mark continued his athletic career at the U.S. Air Force Academy, starting every game at defensive end from sophomore year on. His dominance included a legendary game against Notre Dame, where he sacked quarterback Joe Theismann four times. He finished his career with Coaches All-American Honorable Mention honors.

Beyond athletics, Mark devoted 26 years to distinguished military service in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War and in leadership roles in Germany, Thailand, and Colorado Springs. He also taught Political Science at the Air Force Academy and later dedicated 20 years to education in Monument, Colorado, earning induction into the Lewis-Palmer School District Academic Hall of Fame. His life reflects athletic brilliance, patriotic service, and unwavering commitment to education.


Peter Metz (Class of 1990)

From the moment he joined the varsity soccer team as a freshman, Peter Metz transformed the culture of PWHS soccer. A relentless leader by example, he was named team MVP all four years and helped guide the Pirates to three consecutive winning seasons, three regional championships, and two sectional finals—rare accomplishments at the time. Under his leadership, PWHS achieved multiple top-10 state rankings.

Individually, Peter was a two-time First Team All-State selection, Conference Player of the Year, and runner-up for Wisconsin’s Gatorade Player of the Year. He graduated as PWHS’s all-time leader in career goals and single-season goals while ranking second in assists.

Peter continued his success at UW-Milwaukee, where he was a four-year starter and team captain as a senior. Today, he has spent more than 30 years coaching and mentoring young athletes, currently serving as Director of Coaching for the Germantown Soccer Club. While his name is in the record books, Peter defines his greatest accomplishment as the opportunity to coach others—instilling the values of humility, teamwork, and perseverance that shaped his own career.

Peewee Mueller (Class of 1974)

A dominant wrestler during his PWHS career, Peewee Mueller compiled an impressive résumé: three-time Regional Champion, two-time Sectional Champion, and a State Champion as a junior. He also finished third in the state as a senior, cementing his place among Wisconsin’s elite prep wrestlers.

His excellence carried into college, first at UW-Stevens Point and then East Carolina University, where he became a three-time All-American. Peewee placed second and fourth at the NAIA Nationals and sixth at the USA Nationals, earning recognition as one of the nation’s best. He also won two Southern Conference titles and was twice named Most Outstanding Wrestler. His lifetime competitive record of 240–13 included an undefeated 20–0 stint with the Athletes in Action all-star team.

Following his career on the mat, Peewee devoted 24 years to coaching in North Carolina and Virginia. He founded the Louisburg High School wrestling program, leading the team to multiple state top-10 finishes, and in 2017 he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (North Carolina Chapter). Though retired, he continues to give back through volunteering and mentorship—leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loves.


Tim Brown (Class of 1959)

One of the fastest athletes to ever wear the Pirate uniform, Tim Brown excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track, earning All-State honors in football. On the track, his speed was unmatched—running the 100-yard dash in just 10.0 seconds and anchoring one of PWHS’s top relay teams. A true scholar-athlete, he graduated with honors before continuing his football career at Iowa State University.

At Iowa State, Tim lettered in his final two seasons as a guard and was named Second Team All-Big Eight as a senior. His talents earned him the opportunity to play professionally in Canada with the Quebec Rifles (1964) and Toronto Rifles (1965). Known for his toughness and determination, Tim’s career exemplifies the grit and competitive spirit that continue to define Pirate athletics.