Struzynski places 11th in discus
By Holly Neumann
Sami Struzynski and Jill Seka will always have a unique bond.
That bond is sharing the experience of qualifying for state in throwing events as members of the Manawa track team.
“It is the highlight of any athlete’s career,” said Seka, who was by Struzynski’s side as the senior competed in the girls’ Division 3 discus event June 2 at the WIAA State Track & Field Championships in La Crosse. “This year, it is like reliving it all over again with Sami.”
Seka made it to state in 1993 and 1995 before placing fifth in the shot put event in 1996 and is now an assistant coach for the team.
“It has been 22 years since Manawa has had a thrower at the state competition,” she said. “It’s hard to believe that the last person was me. I feel honored to be back here with one of my athletes.”
Seka recalled qualifying for state.
“It meant the world to me,” she said. “That feeling of being a state qualifier is so hard to describe. It is the same feelings all over again with Sami, that exciting feeling of coming to a state competition, that anxious and nervous feeling. This time, I was anxious and nervous for her.”
Seka described Struzynski as the most coachable athlete.
“Sami worked hard to get here,” she said. “She has only been throwing for two years. This is what dedication gets you. She deserved this.”
Struzynski is humbled to have shared this experience with her coach.
“It felt amazing to get here,” she said. “I worked really hard and it is awesome to be a part of Manawa’s history.”
She gave credit to Seka for being a role model.
“She played a big part in my success,” Struzynski said. “It is such an honor to follow in her footsteps. She is always cheering me on and if you know Jill, she is always the loudest one at every meet.”
Struzynski joined the track team as a sophomore at the urging of coach Pat Collins.
“Coach Collins told me I should give shot put a try, so I did,” she said. “All I did my first year was throw the shot put. Sure, coach made me run once in awhile too, but it was not until my junior year that I started throwing the discus. Looking back now, I sure wish I would have started sooner.”
Struzynski said she learned a lot at her first state meet.
“If you want to go anywhere, you have to try,” she said. “You cannot just sit around. Take a chance, get that new experience, but more importantly, work hard.”
She ended her career with a throw of 109 feet, 11 inches and an 11th-place finish.
“Could I have thrown better?” she asked. “Yes. Am I disappointed? Absolutely not. I am super-excited and proud that I made it this far.”
Struzynski had two of her Manawa teammates at state. Freshman Aspen Linjer placed sixth in the 100-meter dash and junior Laynie Bessette competed in the 300-meter hurdles.
Seka hopes the state appearance encourages other athletes to join the team.
“I am really happy we could end the season on a high note,” she said. “Our track program is up, thriving and has grown by leaps and bounds. Athletes have to remember that track is not only a team sport, but also an individual sport. It is not just a running sport, it is a sport of technique. You will never know if you are good at it unless you try.”
Struzynski agreed.
“Give it a shot, you won’t regret it,” she said. “Coach Collins and coach Seka are a hoot, but more importantly, they are supportive and share in the success of everything that you do.”