Getting points in five events from a well-rounded group of competitors and punctuating the weekend with a pair of dominating victories in the 3,200- and 1,600-meter relay teams, the Homestead Highlanders outlasted the competition Saturday and swept to the Division 1 team title at the WIAA state track and field meet at UW-La Crosse's Memorial Stadium.
Homestead finished with 54.5 points to win its first championship since 1964, holding off a late push by Milwaukee Marquette, which came in second with 35 points. Menomonee Falls, led by a huge day from senior Matt Widule, finished in third with 33 points, while Jalen Gillie-led Milwaukee Riverside was fourth with 32 points.
"This is better than I thought, there's no doubt," Homestead coach Dan Benson said. "A lot of coaches will talk about the journey and the season. We had a meeting the first day with the seniors, what this would be like. They did absolutely everything that was asked of them, down to the last detail.
"So they're very deserving of a state championship."
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
More from Sports
- Poellinger lights out for Homestead baseball team
- Shorewood, Whitefish Bay runners fought through pain to earn state track honors
- Pitching-heavy, senior-dominated Homestead baseball team looks for big things this summer
- Led by Maleki, Homestead golfers ninth at state meet
- Sports Shorts: June 4
- Schneider, Pelisek lead Homestead boys to 12th at state track meet
- Area track stars Gayle and Gomoll handle challenges with diginity and class
- Homestead boys track advances six entries to state, aims for relay title
- Area netters adapt to new reality, advance several to state individual tournament
- Sports Shorts: May 21
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.