Panther runners get hero’s welcome after taking state

By Brandi Makuski

The Panthers still have the best distance runners in the state.

The SPASH boy’s cross-country runners finished first on Saturday during the Division I WIAA State Championship in Wisconsin Rapids. The team came in with 39 points, winning its 12th state title in the program’s history, far beyond the runners-up in Oconomowoc, who finished with 86 points.

Fire engines from Stevens Point and Plover gave the boys an escort. The processional also consisting of parents, family, and other supports, began and St. Bronislava Church on Post Rd. and ended at the SPASH Fieldhouse for a 20-minute pep rally.

Coach Donn Behnke thanked the boys for their hard work throughout the season, and pointed to the JV runners who were also in attendance.

“Let me thank all of you JV guys; it’s because of you guys who show up,” he said. “It’s like the pebble in the ocean, one pebble doesn’t make much of a wave, but a bunch of pebbles, that makes a wave. It rises up our program. You guys make me terribly proud and I want to thank you for taking me on this ride.”

Dave Hause, SPASH athletic director, also addressed the crowd. He said during Friday’s sendoff for the team, he didn’t immediately realize how good its record was.

“And when Coach Behnke said, ‘We’re undefeated,’ it kind of lands on you a little bit different. It’s like, ‘Holy cow—do we really understand what’s so special about what’s going on here right now?'”

Hauser said all one needs to do is look at the walls of the field house, which are full of records.

“We’re the best in the state,” he said.