Wall of Fame

Cernohous Named to Wall of Fame

Former Activities Director is Honored

Reggie White, Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi. Apart from them playing for the Packers, all three of these men are all in the Hall of Fame, something that will soon be updated here at Oshkosh West. The Wall of Fame is updated annually with people who have been committed to sports and enriched the history of West athletics. The newest edition to the Wildcat’s Wall of Fame is Peter Cernohous, a former principal and promoter of the program. Brad Jodarski, activities director, can attest to this.

“He started as an assistant principal here in 1993,” Jodarski said. “He was also the athletic liaison, another word for assistant athletic director, when there was only one athletic director for the district, serving until 2010.”

Though it appears that Cernohous was fit for the job, there were still some requirements to be considered for the award.

“Anyone can nominate someone,” Jodarski said.  “Once the nomination is received, we send a questionnaire for the nominee to fill out, then the questionnaires are collected and sent to the Wall of Fame committee.”

Cernohous seemed to have made a significant impact and thus gained much attention. It appears to take more than just being involved to be nominated for such an award.

“He created the all state wall, and was responsible for hiring a number of teachers who also helped coach here,” said Jodarski.

He didn’t just help at the board level either.

“He was always an advocate for students, and really, really, cared a lot about the kids,” said Jodarski.

As soon as Cernohous’ name was brought up to the committee, it seemed like there was no question who was the most deserving candidate.

“I was very surprised when I received the news,” Cernohous said. “I know the meaning of the award. I was on the ground floor when we introduced this award to the school.”

The Wall of Fame contains athletes from both Oshkosh West and Oshkosh High School. Being among these men and woman seemed to be quite an honor for Cernohous. An excitement for a man who has been an assistant principal during Oshkosh West’s impressive basketball rein in the mid to late 2000’s - men’s and women's team both dominating the court. In addition, the tennis team made an appearance in Madison, taking home second, and there were various appearances by the Cross Country team and individual runners at the state meet.

“The assistant principal was mostly in charge of setting up chaperones, getting the band together, bussing and various other things to get ready for State,” said Jodarski.

Oshkosh West rocketing to state for nine years in a row kept Cernohous very busy, and he recalled some special memories.

“I loved seeing the satisfaction and pride that they had in their involvement with sports,” said Cernohous.   

Cernohous was not only at the activities but was also involved in them.

“I worked the games as well,” said Cernohous, “as a timer for the varsity games, I did wrestling timing and the chains for Freshman and JV football.”

Even after retirement, Cernohous wanted to continue being involved. He’d often alert Jodarski when an event was short-handed.

“Hey I’m here to work!” Cernohous would say.  

Keeping in constant involvement even when no one asked, Cernohous focused on each kid individually as well as using his triple A theory to keep students in line.

“All kids should be involved in the triple A theory, the first A being academics. While the second and third go hand and hand being athletics and activities,” Cernohous said.

Cernohous not only had an effect on the kids here at West, but on the coaching staff as well.  Showing a clear focus on student, when it came to being a student athlete. Coach Levine, the head coach of the West football team adds his input.

“We was a huge athletic supporter... He helped organize, he found money for budgets, he supported coaches, he supported students, he’s made everything run smoother,” said Levine.  

A true man of the people, according to Levine.

“He got along with everyone. He let you know if you weren't working hard enough, and held people accountable for what they did,” Levine said.  

In the coaches eyes Cernohous was a true 11 for his time and involvement at West.

His induction ceremony was composed of two parts. He was inducted during a private ceremony in the auditorium were friends and family of his choice were invited to be included in the event. He received a plaque of his own and a plaque that will be displayed on the Wall of Fame outside of the weight room. He was also noticed at halftime during the Hortonville game against West at home. He has made an interesting impact within West and its community as a whole. His devotion, hard work, and love for the program as a whole has earned him a well deserved spot in Oshkosh West’s Wall of Fame.

“I just wanted the kids to know we had their backs, that made me feel good,” Cernohous said.

By: Ian McDonald     

Cernohous Named to Wall of Fame

Former Activities Director is Honored

Reggie White, Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi. Apart from them playing for the Packers, all three of these men are all in the Hall of Fame, something that will soon be updated here at Oshkosh West. The Wall of Fame is updated annually with people who have been committed to sports and enriched the history of West athletics. The newest edition to the Wildcat’s Wall of Fame is Peter Cernohous, a former principal and promoter of the program. Brad Jodarski, activities director, can attest to this.

“He started as an assistant principal here in 1993,” Jodarski said. “He was also the athletic liaison, another word for assistant athletic director, when there was only one athletic director for the district, serving until 2010.”

Though it appears that Cernohous was fit for the job, there were still some requirements to be considered for the award.

“Anyone can nominate someone,” Jodarski said.  “Once the nomination is received, we send a questionnaire for the nominee to fill out, then the questionnaires are collected and sent to the Wall of Fame committee.”

Cernohous seemed to have made a significant impact and thus gained much attention. It appears to take more than just being involved to be nominated for such an award.

“He created the all state wall, and was responsible for hiring a number of teachers who also helped coach here,” said Jodarski.

He didn’t just help at the board level either.

“He was always an advocate for students, and really, really, cared a lot about the kids,” said Jodarski.

As soon as Cernohous’ name was brought up to the committee, it seemed like there was no question who was the most deserving candidate.

“I was very surprised when I received the news,” Cernohous said. “I know the meaning of the award. I was on the ground floor when we introduced this award to the school.”

The Wall of Fame contains athletes from both Oshkosh West and Oshkosh High School. Being among these men and woman seemed to be quite an honor for Cernohous. An excitement for a man who has been an assistant principal during Oshkosh West’s impressive basketball rein in the mid to late 2000’s - men’s and women's team both dominating the court. In addition, the tennis team made an appearance in Madison, taking home second, and there were various appearances by the Cross Country team and individual runners at the state meet.

“The assistant principal was mostly in charge of setting up chaperones, getting the band together, bussing and various other things to get ready for State,” said Jodarski.

Oshkosh West rocketing to state for nine years in a row kept Cernohous very busy, and he recalled some special memories.

“I loved seeing the satisfaction and pride that they had in their involvement with sports,” said Cernohous.   

Cernohous was not only at the activities but was also involved in them.

“I worked the games as well,” said Cernohous, “as a timer for the varsity games, I did wrestling timing and the chains for Freshman and JV football.”

Even after retirement, Cernohous wanted to continue being involved. He’d often alert Jodarski when an event was short-handed.

“Hey I’m here to work!” Cernohous would say.  

Keeping in constant involvement even when no one asked, Cernohous focused on each kid individually as well as using his triple A theory to keep students in line.

“All kids should be involved in the triple A theory, the first A being academics. While the second and third go hand and hand being athletics and activities,” Cernohous said.

Cernohous not only had an effect on the kids here at West, but on the coaching staff as well.  Showing a clear focus on student, when it came to being a student athlete. Coach Levine, the head coach of the West football team adds his input.

“We was a huge athletic supporter... He helped organize, he found money for budgets, he supported coaches, he supported students, he’s made everything run smoother,” said Levine.  

A true man of the people, according to Levine.

“He got along with everyone. He let you know if you weren't working hard enough, and held people accountable for what they did,” Levine said.  

In the coaches eyes Cernohous was a true 11 for his time and involvement at West.

  His induction ceremony was composed of two parts. He was inducted during a private ceremony in the auditorium were friends and family of his choice were invited to be included in the event. He received a plaque of his own and a plaque that will be displayed on the Wall of Fame outside of the weight room. He was also noticed at halftime during the Hortonville game against West at home. He has made an interesting impact within West and its community as a whole. His devotion, hard work, and love for the program as a whole has earned him a well deserved spot in Oshkosh West’s Wall of Fame.

  “I just wanted the kids to know we had their backs, that made me feel good,” Cernohous said.

By: Ian McDonald