Peter Colosimo

Peter Colosimo (Teacher & swim coach 1930-1972, Received Award in 2005)

Peter was raised on the Iron Range in northern Minnesota. He graduated from Gilbert High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from the University of Minnesota. In 1938, Coach Colosimo received a Masters of Education degree from Columbia University in New York.

 

He began teaching and coaching swimming at Shorewood High School in 1930. His teams compiled an enviable record of 11 Suburban Conference wins, 9 WIAA State Championships, and four WIAA State Runners-Up finishes. Under Colosimo's leadership, Shorewood competed very favorably with the strongest teams in the Midwest and achieved a high national ranking--fourth in the nation in 1935.

 

Although he terminated his swim coaching in 1962, he continued coaching volleyball and served as the Department Chair for Physical Education until his retirement in 1972. In total, he served the District for 42 years as both an SHS teacher and coach.

 

Outside of SHS, Colosimo was very active in WISCA, serving a lengthy Presidential term. He was elected President of the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches' Association (NISCA) in1946-47 and in 1974 was the recipient of NISCA's Outstanding Service Award at a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

 

Many youngsters gained from Colosimo's guidance in the Red Cross and Boy Scout programs which he served for over 40 years. He believed that swimming ability was an asset for all, not just for team members.

 

"Pete" was one of Wisconsin's greatest pioneers in high school swimming; his life was a dedication, his service an inspiration. In 1995, he was inducted into the WISCA Hall of Fame in Madison.