Charlie Vater and Jensen Rice played a pivotal role

In a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, the Iola-Scandinavia High School Boys’ Track and Field Team emerged victorious at the WIAA Division 3 State Track Meet, held on May 31 and June 1 at UW-La Crosse. The Thunderbirds amassed 45 points to secure their first-ever state team championship, outpacing Stratford, which finished second with 34 points, and Edgar, which took third with 32 points.

The dynamic duo of Charlie Vater and Jensen Rice played a pivotal role in Iola-Scandinavia’s triumph.

Vater dominated the distance events, capturing state titles in both the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs. He set a new state record in the 3,200-meter with an impressive time of 9:02.57 on Friday and followed it up with a victory in the 1,600-meter, clocking in at 4:19.73 on Saturday. This marked Vater’s repeat championship in both events, further cementing his legacy as one of the state’s top distance runners.

Not to be outdone, Rice showcased his speed and agility, winning the 110-meter hurdles with a personal record time of 14.60 seconds and the 100-meter dash in 10.94 seconds. Rice’s victories in these sprint events added crucial points to the Thunderbirds’ total. Additionally, he contributed to a relay team performance that garnered an extra five points, rounding out the team’s scoring efforts.

The combined efforts of Vater and Rice brought in 40 points, and their contributions to the relay ensured the team’s position at the top of the leaderboard. Their outstanding performances were instrumental in delivering the championship to Iola-Scandinavia, making the 2024 state meet a historic moment for the school’s track and field program.

“We have a lot to celebrate from this State tournament thanks to some incredible determination and hard work from our athletes and coaches,” stated the Iola-Scandinavia Track & Field Facebook posting on June 3. “Everyone should be very proud of their accomplishments. There are only a few who understand the amount of time (on and off season), dedication, and love that is poured into this sport from the athletes and coaches, and also families and community that support them all.”

Race Results

100-meter Dash: Jensen Rice, Iola-Scandinavia, 1^st, 10.94; Tim Bailey, Riverdale, 2^nd, 11.12; Michael Milford, 3^rd, Dodgeland, 11.20; Jett Schoenherr, 4^th, Stratford, 11.24; and, Evrett Tait, Eau Claire Regis, 5^th, 11.29.

1600-meter Run: Charlie Vater, Iola-Scandinavia, 1^st, 4:19.73; Taylor Karcz, Crandon, 2^nd, 4:23.31; Luke Eiden, Pacelli, 3rd, 4:24.93; Isaac Scheer, Columbus Catholic, 4^th, 4:26.48; and, Christopher Cullen, Kewaunee, 5^th, 4:26.59.

3200-meter Run: Charlie Vater, Iola-Scandinavia, 1^st, 9:02.57; Taylor Karcz, Crandon, 2^nd, 9:27.64; Cole Arens, Alma-Pepin, 3^rd, 9:33.18; Gavin Esterholm, Phillips, 4^th, 9:33.46; and, Isaac Scheer, Columbus Catholic, 5^th, 9:36.23.

100-meter Hurdles: Jensen Rice, Iola-Scandinavia, 1`st, 14.60; Lucius Cooley, Wauzeka-Steuben, 2^nd, 14.73; Brody Feldmann, Elkhart Lake, 3^rd, 14.98; Isaac Steinke, Fall Creek, 4^th, 15.28; and, Eli Key, Deerfield, 5^th, 15.29.

4×100-meter Relay: Stratford, 1^st, 42.54; Lancaster, 2^nd, 42.96; Weyauwega-Fremont, 3^rd, 43.17; Iola-Scandinavia (Izyck Olson, Ryan Kempert, Aiden Bowen, Jensen Rice, Billy Myers, Korz Loken), 4^th, 43.31; and, Edgar, 5^th, 43.34.