Mayville Jr./Sr. High School will welcome four new inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 20, individuals whose achievements span generations, sports, and professions, yet are united by a common Mayville hallmark: using their talents in service to others and their community.
From championship courts and state meets to military service, scientific leadership, and youth mentorship, this year’s class reflects how being a Cardinal extends far beyond the final whistle.
As a Mayville alum himself, Athletic Director Scott Hilber says the annual Hall of Fame ceremony is one of the most meaningful nights on the school’s athletic calendar, not only for honoring past achievements, but for celebrating the values that continue to define Cardinal athletics.
“As a Mayville alum and an overall fan of Mayville athletics and our community’s history, I always look forward to our Athletic Hall of Fame night,” Hilber said. “Our school has a very rich tradition of athletic success, and once a year, we get to bring the best athletes from our past to the forefront to be honored and celebrated. I congratulate this year’s recipients and their families for receiving this great recognition for being one of our best.”
Hilber noted that the 2026 Hall of Fame class reflects more than wins, records, and championships. Collectively, the inductees represent decades of leadership, perseverance, and service—both within competition and beyond it. From military service and scientific leadership to mentoring young athletes and raising the next generation of Cardinals, each inductee embodies the spirit of giving back that remains a hallmark of Mayville.
Excellence on the Court, Courage in Service
George “Buckets” Bennetts embodied greatness through both athletic achievement and extraordinary personal sacrifice. A standout multi-sport athlete at Mayville High School, Bennetts is best remembered as a key member of the Cardinals’ 1935 State Championship basketball team—a source of lifelong pride.
Following high school, Bennetts continued his basketball career at Lawrence College before being drafted into the United States Army. His service during World War II defined a legacy far beyond athletics. A decorated soldier, Bennetts earned three Medals of Honor, two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in battle—surviving injuries few could overcome.
After returning home, Bennetts built a life centered on family, humility, and kindness. A soft-spoken man respected by all who knew him, he lived by a simple philosophy he passed down through generations: “The world is full of a lot of different people—be kind to everyone.” His life remains a powerful reminder that service to community and country is the highest form of achievement.
A Scholar-Athlete with a Heart for Service
Jesse Decker’s Mayville legacy is defined by rare balance—elite athletic performance paired with academic excellence and lifelong service. An eight-time letterman for the Cardinals, Decker remains the only male athlete in school history to place at state in both cross country (5th-place) and track and field (4th-place) during the same season. He earned eight All-Flyway Conference honors, qualified for state three times, and twice set the school record in the 1600-meter run.
Beyond athletics, Decker excelled in choir, forensics, and history, earning conference, sectional, and state recognition. His journey continued at UW–Parkside, where he competed on scholarship, became an eight-time letterman, set the school record in the steeplechase, and qualified for multiple national championships in cross country and track and field.
Professionally, Decker has devoted his career to advancing research and safety in higher education. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him UW–Madison’s College of Engineering Distinguished Achievement Award in 2021, followed by national recognition as CSHEMA’s Volunteer of the Year in 2022.
A proud Mayville native, Decker credits his small-town upbringing for shaping his values. He and his wife, Dr. Andrea Ladd, raised two sons. Jesse considers life’s greatest blessing to be his loving and supportive family and is forever thankful to have grown up in a small town.
Leadership, Consistency and a Legacy of Giving Back
Mike Toellner represents the gold standard of the Mayville student-athlete—consistent excellence, leadership, and character across every arena. A three-sport athlete and 2003 WIAA Scholar Athlete, Toellner starred in basketball, football, and track and field during his high school career.
On the court, Toellner amassed 1,515 career points, led the Cardinals to a 69–21 record, earned four First Team All-Conference selections (three unanimous), two Conference Player of the Year honors, and WBCA All-Star and All-State recognitions. On the gridiron and track, he collected multiple All-Conference honors and was a State Qualifier in the 800-meter relay and a member of the relay team that set the school record in the event.
Continuing at UW–Whitewater, Toellner became a four-year basketball letter winner, three-year team captain, and recipient of numerous Warhawk awards recognizing scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and dedication.
Today, athletics remain central to his life as he and his wife, Megan, raise and coach their three sons. Toellner’s journey reflects a commitment not only to excellence but to passing on Mayville’s values to the next generation.
Leading by Example, Giving Back with Purpose
Danielle Geschke’s Cardinal career was defined by relentless commitment, leadership, and pride in representing Mayville. A 12-time varsity letter winner and All-State basketball player, Geschke served as a multi-year team captain in three sports while also holding class officer roles for three years.
Her achievements were built on discipline and belief in something bigger than herself—supporting teammates, honoring sportsmanship, and embracing responsibility as a Cardinal. That same mindset fueled her return to the community after graduation, where she coached youth athletes, officiated local games, and assisted former coaches in scouting, ensuring opportunities for those who followed.
Professionally, Geschke has spent more than a decade at Metalcraft of Mayville, growing into a production leadership role. She continues to stay active in athletics, especially through slow-pitch softball, and now looks ahead to sharing the lessons of teamwork, dedication, and resilience with her own children.
Her time as a Cardinal stands as one of her proudest foundations, instilling a competitive spirit, a deep respect for teamwork, and a dedication to giving back.
While their paths differ, the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees share a defining trait: a commitment to service, leadership, and community. Whether through military valor, academic leadership, coaching, or quiet acts of mentorship, each has carried Mayville’s values forward.
They are champions not only of sport, but of character—true Cardinals for life.
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