John E. Barth's roots went so deep in Cedarburg that his nickname was synonymous with the high school.  His reputation earned him the nickname "Johnny Bulldog" -- as in the Cedarburg Bulldogs.

Barth graduated from Cedarburg High School in 1936 where he played football and basketball.  Following his graduation, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin--La Crosse and a master’s degree from Northwestern University.

From 1955 to 1983, Barth taught physical education and coached at Cedarburg High School.  He was the head football coach from 1955 to 1965 and then served as an assistant through the fall of 1972.  He was the head track coach from 1955 to 1976 and was the advisor of the Letterman’s Club from 1956-1983.

His biggest contribution to athletics in Cedarburg may have been in his tenure as City Recreation Director, which stretched from 1955 to 1994.  Among his most prominent initiatives in this role was the development of the city baseball and basketball programs which served thousands of children.  Barth was a driving force behind the building of a public swimming pool, and he was also instrumental in obtaining practice facilities for the Ozaukee County Special Olympics programs.