Article by Coach Maas
The Whippet Track and Field Family had a busy week, first competing at the Regional Meet on Monday at Beloit Turner. From there they qualified several individuals and relays for the Sectional Meet in East Troy. There the Whippets then qualified 5 relays and 4 individuals for the WIAA State Track and Field Championship in La Crosse. Qualifying for State for the girls were the 4X200 and 4X100 M Relays. Those relays consist of Kacie Carollo, Morgan Radaj, Grace Black, and Abby Grosinske, with Amanda Tovar, Hailey Murphy, and Olive Coburn serving as alternates. The 4X200 got things going running a season best of 1:48.19 and. When the dust settled in the 4X100 the girls ran another season best touring the track in an outstanding time of 50.93 finishing 2nd. The girls are now ready to show what they can do at the State Meet.
On the boys’ side the 4X800 M Relay with Juan Cuellar, Gio Anello, Ignacio Cuevas, and Trenten Zahn rolled to a season best time of 8:17.20 and earned themselves a trip to La Crosse. Jared Clapper kept things rolling qualifying for State in the 100 M Dash, finishing 3rd in a photo finish with a time of 11.40. The Italian Stallion Avery Caputo took home gold in the wheelchair division of the 100 M Dash, and Sashi Popke delivered another gold winning the pole vault, skying 13’ 6”. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was Joe Gmur’s personal best in the high jump. Gmur leaped 6’ 2” to earn himself a trip to state. Then it was time for the boys 4X200 M Relay to step up to the starting line. Jack Mayer, Juan Cuellar, Will Leibbrand, and Jared Clapper were only seeded fourth coming out of regionals, but they had other plans. Setting a blistering pace from the very start, the quartet of sprinters ran the second fastest time in school history with a 1:30.72 winning the relay and cementing their spot at the state meet. Next it was time for the 4X100 Meter Relay consisting of the same 4 gentlemen. All they did was win again lighting a fire on the track with a time of 43.67. Once again running the second fastest time in school history.
The track and field team would like to thank all of their supporters who came to sectionals to cheer them on. It was great having everyone there. Now, it’s on to La Crosse for the WIAA State Track and Field Championships.
