On the first day of competition at the WIAA State Track and Field Championships, seniors Jack Hefty and Traysen Thomason delivered standout performances for their team.

Traysen was the first to take the stage, lining up in Heat 1 of the 100m dash. Despite a slight stumble out of the blocks, he quickly regained his stride, showcasing his top-end speed and determination. He surged to a second-place finish in his heat and ultimately qualified fifth overall—securing a coveted spot in Saturday’s final.

Next on the track was the highly anticipated 1600 meters, where Jack Hefty sought to defend his state title for a third consecutive year. With championships already under his belt as a sophomore and junior, the field gave him due respect, resulting in a cautious opening lap of 1:11.20. Sitting back in 8th, Jack remained calm and poised.

As the pace began to build, so did Jack’s momentum. He worked his way up to 3rd by the halfway point, clocking a 63.26 second lap. The third lap was decisive—Jack surged into 2nd and then powered down the homestretch to take the lead with a 61.75 split.

Now in front, he faced a major threat: Joseph Hunt of Green Bay Notre Dame, a dangerous 800m specialist (and eventual 800m state champion). But Jack didn’t flinch. As they entered the final bend, he began to pull away. Fueled by adrenaline and roars from the crowd, Jack delivered a devastating final lap of 57.58 to cross the line in 4:13.78.

His closing 1200 meters of 3:02.58 was a dominant display of strength and tactical brilliance. With this win, Jack becomes just the fifth athlete in the 126-year history of the state meet—across all divisions—to win the 1600 meters three times. A legendary finish to a storied high school career.

Later that afternoon, Traysen returned for the 200m prelims. This time, he got out clean and charged through the curve with power and precision. Exploding into the straightaway, he crossed the line second in his heat with a new personal best—and tied the school record of 22.04, originally set by Larry Gnatzig in 1971. Heading into the final, Traysen is seeded third and primed to make more noise on championship Saturday.

On Saturday, Traysen will compete in the finals of the 100 and 200, while Jack will suit up one more time and compete in the 3200m run.

Full results can be found here: https://live.pttiming.com/?mid=7650

Article and Photos Courtesy of Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Assistant Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

 More than 1,200 athletes from across the state will compete in Cornhole, Powerlifting, Soccer, Tennis, and Track & Field at the 2025 Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) Summer Games, held at UW-Whitewater June 5-7. Several health-focused activities will complement Friday and Saturday competition, providing free oral, vision, podiatry, hearing, and fitness screenings.

The public is welcome to watch the competition and cheer on the participants.

UW-Whitewater Athletics Facilities (907 Schwager Dr.)

WHEN:                Thursday, June 5

                              6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.          Parade of Athletes & Opening Ceremony – Perkins Stadium

                              Friday, June 6

                              8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.          Cornhole & Soccer competition – Kachel Fieldhouse

                              8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.          Track & Field competition – Foster Track

                              Saturday, June 7

                              8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.          Powerlifting, Tennis, & Soccer competition – Kachel Fieldhouse

                              8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.          Track & Field competition concludes – Foster Track

Summer Games is one of four Special Olympics Wisconsin State-level Games held throughout the year and one of nearly 200 sporting events held annually.

SOWI Summer Games returns to Whitewater for the third consecutive year. It is made possible by support from Jersey Mike’s; Knights of Columbus; Dunkin’; Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation; Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin; Kriete Truck Centers; WisPact Foundation; Ho Chunk Gaming; Spartan Nash Foundation; and OUR TEAM partners Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Admirals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks.

About Special Olympics Wisconsin

Special Olympics Wisconsin has empowered people with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years, providing year-round sports training and competition, health and wellness programs, school-based inclusion initiatives, and leadership development. Learn more about how together we can create a more inclusive Wisconsin at SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.

Updated 6/5/25 @ 5:45 p.m. – The university is providing a livestream of the celebration at Prucha Field.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will welcome home the 2025 NCAA Division III National Champion Warhawk Baseball Team at a Champions Reception tonight (6/5) at 7 pm at Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. The reception is followed by a parade at 8 p.m.

Below is the schedule of events for tonight’s Champions Reception. 

Schedule of Events
7:00: Gates open for Fans/Families
7:10: Player and Coach Introductions (Athletic Director Ryan Callahan)
7:20: Congratulations from Dr. Corey King
7:23: Statement from Coach Vodenlich
7:30-7:50: Photos on Field and Media Interviews
7:50: Players Leave on Float for Parade

Parking is available for this event in Lot 22. *Due to construction and Special Olympics Wisconsin occurring on campus, it is suggested you access Lot 22/Miller Stadium off of Schwager Drive from Tratt Street*

Here’s the route for the parade that begins at 8 p.m.