The Iola-Scandinavia cross-country team turned in a powerful performance at the sectional meet on Saturday, Oct. 25, with brothers Ben and Jack Beck both earning individual trips to the WIAA State Cross Country Championships.

Ben Beck raced to a runner-up finish in the boys’ 5,000-meter run with a time of 16 minutes, 38.3 seconds, while Jack Beck secured sixth place in 17:28.3. Their top-10 finishes ensured both would advance to the state competition, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids.

The Thunderbirds finished third overall in the boys’ team standings, posting 129 points — just behind Valders, which took second with 117 points. Lourdes Academy captured the sectional title with 113 points, while Weyauwega-Fremont placed fourth at 133.

Elliott Onesti of Roncalli claimed the individual sectional championship in 16:12.8. Beyond the Beck brothers, Iola-Scandinavia’s scoring runners included Henry Vater, who finished 21st in 18:05.2, and Evan Linjer, who crossed in 34th at 18:49.3. The strong team performance highlighted the program’s depth and consistency, helping secure its place among the top squads at Sectionals.

On the girls’ side, Iola-Scandinavia placed 13th with 292 points in a field led by Kewaunee, which captured the sectional team title with 74 points. Weyauwega-Fremont followed in 14th with 336.

Kewaunee’s Hannah Miller won the individual title in 18:59.7. Iola-Scandinavia’s Revyn Schrank had an impressive run, finishing ninth in 20:24.4 to lead her team. Teammate Cedarlyn Otremba placed 47th in 22:34.6, contributing to the team’s effort.

Manawa’s Penelope Aya also earned a state berth, taking seventh overall in 20:17.2.