Marshfield sports teams took part in an unprecedented run to state tournaments this year. A total of nine qualified for the state tournament, and 13 advanced to playoffs.
Boys cross country achieved its highest finish in 49 years, and senior Colby Gillette attributes much of the success to the hard work and dedication the team displayed.
“We put in a good summer, did every workout and went 100 percent,” Gillette said.
Dance also placed at state, bringing home a 5th place trophy. Ashley Peters, a senior and an all-state dance member, said the team persevered despite tough competition.
“Our division is the toughest, which makes competition a lot more intense,” Peters said. “Our team stayed unified and it showed.”
Senior Tyler Campbell, who placed third individually at state in wrestling, said the wrestling team, which placed third, felt optimistic coming into the season, motivating them to push themselves.
“We worked really hard this season because we knew we had a good shot at a state trophy,” Campbell said. “We all pitched in a lot of effort and it paid off.”
Among the teams that did not place at state, but made the playoffs is baseball, bowling, football, girls’ basketball and boys soccer. In boys and girls swimming, several individuals competed at state. In girls’ tennis, Katie Boesl and Desiree Guardado qualified for state. Volleyball also qualified for state and earned fifth place.
Golf won 3rd place and achieved its highest placing since 1947. Senior Jacob Klein said the team relied on resolve and unity.
“We displayed determination and we had good comradery throughout the team,” Klein said.
Softball earned a league championship this year, and is in the midst of a 16 team playoff after receiving a first round bye. Junior Khalani Hoyer said the team has never relaxed during the season, and is motivated for the playoffs.
“Our whole team is excited. This is the first time we won league,” Hoyer said. “We want to win the 2nd game in the tournament and get over that hump.”
Gillette said that being a team was the key focus on the season and that they had to work together to accomplish what they did this year.
“I ran for the team more than I ran for myself,” Gillette said. “I didn’t really care what position I finished just as long as I did well enough for us to be successful.”
Klein said that even more than the individual and team accolades, he will remember the close bonds and friendships he has formed with the team.
“I will always remember all my friends and all the hard work I put in,” Klein said.
