Knights Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Oak Creek High School

Sports run deep in Oak Creek, and Oak Creek High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Knight uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Oak Creek High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Travis Beckum - NFL Tight End (New York Giants)

Beckum is a former NFL football tight end best known for his time with the New York Giants in the NFL. A standout at Oak Creek High School, Beckum showcased his versatility playing multiple positions in high school before becoming a top collegiate recruit. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a First‑Team All‑American and a leading receiver among tight ends nationally. Beckum was drafted in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants and was part of the team that won Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. His collegiate excellence later earned him induction into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. (Sources: UW Badgers, ESPN)

2. Brian Calhoun - NFL Running Back (Detroit Lions)

Calhoun is a former NFL running back and one of Oak Creek High School’s most decorated athletes. In high school, he rushed for over 5,000 yards and 82 touchdowns, earning honors like Gatorade State Player of the Year and recognition as one of the nation’s top running backs. Calhoun continued his career at the University of Colorado for two seasons and the University of Wisconsin, where he had a historic 2005 season with over 1,600 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns, setting school marks and earning All‑Big Ten accolades. He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After his playing career, Calhoun remained involved in athletics and coaching in Wisconsin. (Sources: CU Buffs, ESPN)

3. Paulina Hernandez - Collegiate Basketball Player

Hernandez is a talented basketball player from Oak Creek High School who continued her career in college basketball. She was a key player on Oak Creek’s girls’ basketball team, helping the Knights capture multiple conference championships and earning all‑conference honors, as well as an Honorable Mention All-State her senior season. After high school, Hernandez played at the collegiate level, including stints at Cleveland State and Youngstown State, where she contributed as a forward and best showed her defensive presence. (Sources: YSU Sports)

4. Malia Winchel - Collegiate Volleyball Player

Winchel is a volleyball player who graduated from Oak Creek High School and went on to play at the University of Wisconsin‑Oshkosh. At Oshkosh, she was a defensive specialist, starting numerous matches and leading her team in categories like digs and aces. In high school, Winchel was recognized for her defensive play and earned All‑Southeast Conference Second Team honors. She continues to contribute to her team with great leadership skills and her ability to show up at crucial moments. (Sources: UWO Oshkosh Titans)

5. Harrison Cleary - Professional Basketball Player

Cleary is a professional basketball player and one of Oak Creek High School’s most successful hoop athletes. After a standout career in Oak Creek, where he became the school’s all‑time leading scorer and earned All‑Conference honors, Cleary played collegiately at the University of Minnesota Crookston. He became one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA Division II history, setting school and conference scoring records and earning multiple All‑NSIC and All‑America honors. Professionally, he has played across Europe, and currently with Neptūnas Klaipėda in the Lithuanian Basketball League and EuroCup. (Sources: Golden Eagle Sports, Eurobasket)

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