State track trumps graduation for five seniors
Seniors Jason Wilson, Chad Dobbe, Alex Faulks, April Hanson and Carlos Davalos had a tough decision to make after learning they had qualified for the State Track and Field Championships in La Crosse. The meet, which would determine the best track and field athletes in each division, began on Friday, June 4-the same night as Clintonville High School's graduation ceremonies.
The decision to skip graduation for a chance to compete at state was unanimous.
"It was tough, but it was worth it," said Wilson. "We looked at it like this-not many people get a chance to go to state for track and field. That was a more prestigious opportunity. Graduation just sounded so standard-not anything like the state track meet.
"If Dobbe would have run faster, maybe we could have placed at state," joked Wilson, as Dobbe played along.
"Be careful of organic mushrooms," Dobbe explained with a laugh. "We had some the night before, and I think I slowed down; they didn't help."
The group's intentions were to go to the top of Granddad's Bluff and have their graduation ceremony with Coach Kevin Reese on the bluff, but the weather didn't cooperate. Despite poor weather interfering with those plans, each said they made memories that will last a lifetime while on their trip to state.
"Hanging out with other track athletes was great," Wilson said. "There were some really amazing people."
"Having corn rows was one of the best parts," joked Dobbe. "Also, Dippin' Dots were delicious."
"The atmosphere at state was intense," added Faulks.
The group said if they had to choose again, there would be no hesitation in picking the state track meet over graduation.
"The decision depends on where your focus is," Wilson concluded. "Everyone expected to graduate, but the trip to state involved years of hard work just to have the opportunity to compete. I think we made the right decision."
Wilson will attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout this fall and will eventually transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue pharmacy studies. Dobbe will attend Fox Valley Technical College for a degree in flexographic printing, while Faulks will attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to become a teacher and coach.
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