Mayville High School Honors Legacy with Latest Hall of Fame Inductions

During halftime of the Mayville boys’ varsity basketball game on February 7, three outstanding individuals were inducted into the Mayville Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF), recognizing their contributions and accomplishments in athletics and beyond.
Scott Hilber, Mayville High School Athletic Director, stated, “I’m very grateful to the individuals who initiated the Mayville Athletic Hall of Fame back in 2010. As one who grew up in this town, played sports at MHS and continues to work here as the athletic director, I have an incredible appreciation for our rich tradition of athletic success and I love to learn about those who blazed the trails for my generation and others to follow.”
“What’s great about this year’s HOF, as with most, is the representation from different eras of Mayville athletics.” Hilber emphasized, “I love learning about the accomplishments of some of the individuals who came through our school almost 100 years ago. We would never be able to learn about Emil Melesevich, who graduated in 1931, without the Mayville Athletic Hall of Fame. It was also nice to recognize and learn about the other two individuals, who are perceived as pioneers in their respective sports.”
Emil “Milosh” Malesevich – Class of 1931 A multi-sport athlete, Emil lettered in basketball, football, and played the violin while attending Mayville High School. His football teams had back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1929 and 1930, allowing only six and 13 points, respectively. For his achievements in athletics and academics, he was awarded the American Legion Medal.
After graduating, Emil attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a degree in Civil Engineering. He briefly played football for the Badgers before leaving the team, later receiving his official letter and “W” Card from the university, several years after graduating.

Emil’s professional career included working for Douglas Aircraft on the C47 during World War II. After the war, he returned to Mayville, married Louise Meyer in 1946, and founded Sure-Fire, a local heating company. He was later recruited again by Douglas Aircraft to work on the B57 bomber but declined to remain in Mayville to grow his business and raise his seven children. Emil passed away in 1995.
Linda Balmer (née Villwock) – Class of 1981 Linda’s passion for distance running began in junior high when she won the “block race” around the old Red Brick Middle School. At Mayville High School, she competed in track and field for four years and cross country for three. She set school records in the 800m and 3200m races and won the 800m sectional title, earning a spot at the state meet. In cross country, she broke the Mayville course record and led her team to a sectional championship and a state appearance her senior year. Linda credits her success to dedicated coaches Bob Berry, Paula Larsen, Rod Holt, and Brent Ellington.
“Linda’s distance running accomplishments set the foundation for a long line of state competitors and Hall of Fame female runners here at Mayville,” said Hilber.
Beyond high school, Linda continued her love for running, qualifying twice for the prestigious Boston Marathon and earning recognition as an Amateur Athlete of the Week for her road race achievements.
Chris Vogel – Class of 1998 A standout multi-sport athlete, Chris earned eight varsity letters in football, baseball, and wrestling. In wrestling, he became Mayville’s first state finalist, finishing as runner-up in 1998 under Coach Eric Ciha. He served as a team captain and MVP for three years, earning All-Conference, All-Region, and multiple tournament championships, including Conference and Regional titles. His senior year, he was named an All-State selection and was recognized by Wrestling USA Magazine on its “Nation’s Best 1998 High School Senior Wrestlers List.”
Hilber stated, “Chris was instrumental in bringing wrestling back to the community after it was cut in 1990, and to this day, he is the only All-State wrestler in Mayville’s history.”
Chris continued his wrestling career at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he was named Student-Athlete Freshman of the Year. He went on to become a three-year NCAA Top 10 wrestler and a two-time national qualifier, representing both UW-Platteville in 2002 and Loras College in 2003.
Chris credits his coaches Eric Ciha, Alex Hilber, Chris Walter, and Randy Steward, as well as his mentors and peers, for shaping his athletic and professional success.
The Mayville Hall of Fame recognizes these three individuals for their outstanding contributions to athletics and their continued impact on the Mayville community and beyond.