Every student at NBW has seen Mr. Ladwig in the building or at sporting events at some point. Whether it was him stressing out at a football game, coaching at track meets, or letting you in when you’re late to school, Ladwig is a well-known teacher here at West. With his differing interests and unique qualities, Ladwig is someone many have gotten to know well and always look forward to seeing at school. 

Michael Ladwig grew up in the city of East Troy, where, in high school, he had a very busy social life. He played football, wrestled, and threw discus throughout his high school sports career. When asked what his favorite sport to play growing up was, Ladwig answered without hesitation. “Football was, and is, by far my favorite sport. It always has been and always will be.”  

After high school, Ladwig pursued his football career playing at Concordia in Milwaukee. 

After a year he transferred to Lincoln University, located in Jefferson City, MO, where he continued to play the sport he loved. When at Lincoln City, he majored in history education, combining his love for history with his love of helping students.

Here at West, Ladwig is a football, wrestling, and track coach, keeping the interests he has had since his teenage years with him now. While football is his favorite sport and fall his favorite time of the year, he expressed how he loves coaching all of his athletes, no matter the sport. Many of his athletes he has gotten to know very well because he coaches them for multiple sports, some even all three. He builds strong bonds with his athletes, and many look up to him, not only as a coach, but as a person.

While his coaching duties take up a lot of his time, Ladwig has some other interests and hobbies many wouldn’t be able to guess. At his home, Ladwig enjoys flower gardening and doing a lot of yard work. He also has a cat at home and said during his interview, “I did have a dog at home, since I’ve got my cat I think I’ve become a cat person. With the amount of time I spend coaching, it’s definitely easier to have a cat.” While coaching is what he loves and his passion, he also appreciates independent time at home and to get housework done.

Ladwig has had a very large impact on this school, as a coach and simply as a presence in the building every day. His bonds with teachers and students carry on every year as he continues to get to know new students and incoming freshmen. While we all know it’s good to be on Ladwigs goodside, he treats all students, teachers and staff with respect. Getting to know supervisor and teachers in our school is important, and if you have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Ladwig, you have gotten to know a big part of NBW.