Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

EUGNE GOLDEN
Inducted in 2005

Geno graduated from Regis High School, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1954, where he played Junior Varsity football and basketball.

He attended the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, and participated in Varsity Football. In 1958, he graduated from M.A.T.C. in Milwaukee with an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science. Back in Eau Claire, he worked with his Dad in the family owned business, Golden Funeral Home. He retired in 1998.

In 1963, Geno attended UWEC and played football for the Blugolds as a D.E. and wide receiver. He played on the 1963 and 1964 Conference Championship teams. He gained All-Conference and All-District first team honors on the #1 ranked, undefeated '63 team & the '64 team.  

Geno's 42 years of coaching and dedicated service to young people has been a very rewarding part of his life.  There was no better feeling for him than to say "I was a Coach!" He has coached grade school, YMCA youth football, Varsity Assistant football at Regis for 15 years and Varsity Assistant for "D" ends, defensive line, linebackers and special teams for UWEC for 18 years. He has coached track, basketball and fast pitch softball.

In 1998, Gene moved to Webster, WI, and spent 5 years as a faithful volunteer and coach. He was the head football coach there for 1 year.

His career has included being a WIAA football official for 18 years, a WIAA basketball official for 4 years, and 6 years as a girls' fast pitch umpire. He dedicated 15 years to being a WIAA and College baseball umpire.

Geno played YMCA Senior League Basketball, retiring as the 2nd all-time leading scorer in history. His talents included being a state champion in YMCA volleyball, fast pitch softball and semi-pro baseball.

Honors for his efforts include Man of the Year for the YMCA Board in 1975, UWEC Athletic Hall of Fame and Regis-St. Pat's Athletic Hall of Fame.