Local Athletes Shine with Gold Medals at WIAA State Track and Field Championships

LA CROSSE - The second day of the WIAA state track and field championships held at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex saw five local athletes claim individual titles, showcasing their talent and determination. The Winneconne boys also secured an impressive team championship, further highlighting the area's athletic prowess.

St. Mary Catholic's Ellie Davel, a sophomore, made her mark by winning the Division 3 girls 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.59 seconds, narrowly defeating De Soto's Paisley Egge, who finished in 14.99 seconds. "I'm really happy and proud of myself," Davel expressed. "I just feel like it’s a great accomplishment. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my coaches and my teammates. I’m really grateful for everybody who helped me get to this moment." Despite her nerves before the race, she focused on her performance and gave it her all.

Emma Severson of Neenah continued her successful season by clinching the Division 1 girls discus title with a throw of 156 feet, 6 inches on her first attempt during the finals. Reflecting on her performance, she said, "I had some OK throws in prelims. I also wasn't very happy with them, so I wanted to grow better in finals and I did that." Severson aims to enhance her technique as she progresses in her athletic career, emphasizing hard work and consistency as key to her success.

Xavier's Caroline Basehoar secured the Division 2 girls pole vault championship with a jump of 12 feet, 3 inches, surpassing second-place Macy Myers and third-place Mya Gencuski, both of whom cleared 12 feet. "It feels amazing. It's great," Basehoar remarked. After struggling in previous years, she was thrilled to perform well at the state level this time around, crediting her initial interest in pole vaulting to a senior's encouragement.

The Winneconne boys team dominated the Division 2 competition, finishing with 71.5 points, well ahead of Monroe's 34 points. Grant Wenzelow won the D2 boys 800 meters in 1:53.43, demonstrating strategic racing by overtaking his competitors in the final lap. "That's how I want to win it," Wenzelow stated, reflecting on the challenges he faced during the race. Hudson Samolinski also made headlines by winning the D2 boys shot put with a personal best throw of 61 feet, 2.75 inches. "I feel ecstatic right now," he said, expressing his satisfaction at breaking the 60-foot mark.