Vanguards’ stars shine at state

Christian Patzka set his goal 12 months ago. He never wavered, and he most certainly delivered. Patzka, a standout cross country runner at Wisconsin Heights/Barneveld, finished fifth at the state meet in 2018. And as Patzka headed home from the race held at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids, he had just one target in 2019. “I would say that I had no other goal than to win (state),” Patzka said. “I had been waiting for this moment since last year’s state meet and I did not want to settle for second.” Mission accomplished. At this year’s WIAA Division 3 state meet, Patzka didn’t settle for anything. Instead, Patzka raced to an individual championship, finishing his Vanguards’ career in style. Patzka completed the 5,000-meter course in 16 minutes, 8.7 seconds, while Matthew Marcinske of Birchwood was second in 16:14.5. “To finish my senior year with a state title means everything to me,” Patzka said. “Going into my first cross country meet my freshman year, I was supposed to be on JV. If someone told me right after that meet that I would go on to win the state meet, I think I would have a very hard time believing them. “I know it sounds cliché, but if you set your mind to something and you always work hard and pursue that dream, you will get it. Winning that state title was one of the most emotional days of my life and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything this world has to offer.” Vanguards’ freshman Samantha Herrling enjoyed a brilliant day herself, finishing second in the girls’ race. Abby Bartel, a sophomore from Weyauwega-Fremont was first in 18:52.9, while Herrling was second in 19:09.2. “Going into the meet I was really hoping on getting first,” Herrling said. “I am very happy with second place, but I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied. I am ready for next season and what it may hold.” Vanguards’ coach Sara Boutelle was incredibly impressed with Herrling’s performance. “She ran a gutsy and smart race,” Boutelle said of Herrling. Both Vanguard runners were at the top of their games. Patzka knew many runners would expend too much energy at the start of the race, so his early goal was simply to be in the top-10 after one mile. Patzka completed his first mile in 5:02 and was in ninth place. Patzka moved up to sixth place after two miles, then grabbed the lead early in the third mile. At that point, there was no catching Patzka as he continued to pull away from a gifted field and brought a gold medal back home. “The last 400 meters was his hard-fought victory lap, sprinting for every second as the crowds cheered him on,” Boutelle said of Patzka. “He went into the race believing winning was possible, and he proved his worth with a great strategy and smart running.” Patzka was thrilled with how the race played out, too. “The last mile I knew I had to push myself and use the downhills to my advantage,” Patzka said. “At the awards ceremony, the other runners told me, ‘I didn’t know that someone could run downhill that fast.’ “I had knowledge of all of the other runners in my race and I did not think that the Birchwood kid would be so close to me, but I knew I had enough energy left in me to handle everyone. I took the lead right after the second mile and I held it through the finish. Seeing that finish line was the most memorable experience.” Patzka’s sensational race closed the book on a terrific career that he plans to continue in college next year. “My thought going into this meet was that I had to be both physically and mentally tough,” Patzka said. “I knew I had the ability to win it and I knew that I had to be smarter and more tactical in the race than any other runner. “I couldn’t have done anything without the help of Coach Sara Boutelle, Coach Lucas Caminiti, and Billy Boutelle. I would also like to thank my teammates for always supporting me and my parents for always leading me in the right direction. I am eternally grateful for this experience.” While the book was being closed on Patzka’s career, Herrling just wrote her first chapter — and what a story it’s becoming. Herrling ran with Bartel much of the race and actually led for a brief stretch around the two-mile mark. And while Bartel gained some separation from Herrling, the Vanguards’ star defeated the third place runner by a full 21 seconds. “I planned on staying in the top-five and having a kick in the second mile and separating myself from the group,” Herrling said. “I went out a little slower than usual to make sure I had enough energy to finish strong. As the race went on I knew it was just me and (Bartel). “I went down the hill right after the second mile point and really used the hill. I think I am good at using the hills better than most of my competition. They are better at the flats. I powered down the hill and passed her, but she came back right away. I was hoping I could close the gap before the finish, but I didn’t have any more energy. I knew that I had a good hold on second, but I was hoping for first. I was really tired at the last 100 meters.” As the Vanguards’ standouts left Wisconsin Rapids, Boutelle was brimming with pride. “We went into the day knowing each athlete was physically and mentally ready to run for state titles,” Boutelle said. “They were nervous and excited to prove themselves on the challenging Ridges course. “I could not be more proud of both of these athletes as they addressed the pressure to compete at a top level with humility and poise. I am grateful that I got to share this season and those moments with them.” Moments the Vanguards will remember forever. DIVISION 3 BOYS Team scores — La Crosse Aquinas 68; Brillion 96; Kohler 119; Clear Lake 168; Stevens Point Pacelli 173; Ozaukee 184; Gillett 191; Boscobel 200; Chippewa Falls McDonnell Central 201; Iowa-Grant 230; Balsam Lake Unity 265; Kenosha Christian Life 266; New Lisbon 272; Marathon 317; Bonduel 327; Chequamegon 335. Top 10 individuals — 1, Patzka, Wisconsin Heights/Barneveld, 16:09; 2, Marcinske, Birchwood, 16:15; 3, Krepline, Bri, 16:25; 4, Skemp, LCA, 16:26; 5, Schlender, Bri, 16:31; 6, Hoerter, SPP, 16:32; 7, Schneider, Durand, 16:36; 8, Woller, Oconto, 16:38; 9, Carpenter, Cashton, 16:38; 10, Nowacki, Athens, 16:44. At The Ridges Golf Course, Wisconsin Rapids, 5,000 meters. DIVISION 3 GIRLS Team scores — Oshkosh Lourdes 112; Gillett 126; Auburndale 128; Oostburg 132; Lancaster 132; Glenwood City 133; Ozaukee 173; Durand 184; Darlington 211; Marathon 249; Brookwood 270; Bonduel 288; Chequamegon 295; Cameron 344; Burlington Catholic Central 365; Prentice/Rib Lake 376. Top 10 individuals — 1, Bartel, Weyauwega-Fremont, 18:53; 2, S. Herrling, Wisconsin Heights/Barneveld, 19:09; 3, Chadwick, Poynette, 19:30; 4, Luebke, Manitowoc Lutheran, 19:43; 5, Heidorn, Colfax, 19:44; 6, Egge, Kickapoo/LaFarge, 19:44; 7, Brown, Boscobel, 19:46; 8, Blumer, Chetek-Weyerhaeuser, 19:46; 9, Constable, Johnson Creek, 19:46; 10, Ellenbecke, Edgar, 19:48.