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Coach and Historian: Judd Wise is Preserving Key West's Athletic Legacy

Author
Joy Nulisch
Published
Thu 31 Jul 2025
Episode Link
None

Coach Judd Wise shares his journey through 40 years in Key West sports as a teacher, coach, athletic director, broadcaster, and now historian preserving the island's rich athletic legacy. His passion for documenting Key West's sporting achievements has uncovered remarkable statistics about local athletes who reached professional levels, including six Major League Baseball players, ten NFL players, and numerous state champions.

• Started coaching in early 1980s at Mary Immaculate High School before moving to Key West High School
• Has coached nearly every sport including football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling
• Pioneered the fast-pitch softball program at Key West High School when the state discontinued slow-pitch
• Maintains records of the 54 former Key West athletes currently competing at collegiate level across various sports
• Documents Key West's professional athletes including Heisman Trophy runner-up George Mira and MLB All-Star Boog Powell
• Broadcasts games as part of Conch Town Live radio team for 17 years, calling approximately 700 games
• Currently assists with football program and anticipates strong offensive line for upcoming season
• Proudest accomplishment is former athletes returning to thank him for emphasizing academics over athletics

Listen to Coach Wise and Rick Lopez call Conch football games on WAVK 97.7 FM, with nine home games scheduled for this season starting August 15th with the Rand Carthan preseason classic.


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