MONROE — The 2022 season was a successful one for Monroe boys track, as the team won the Badger West Conference, was named regional champions and took sixth at state. Individually, the 4x200 relay were state champions and the 4x100 relay set a new school record and finished fourth at state. 

Head coach Scott Mosher hasn’t set the bar any lower this year, looking to win a fourth straight conference title and eighth straight regional title.

“When the current coaching staff took over the program, they had taken last place in the Badger Conference the prior season,” Mosher said. “Even then, our goal was to try and compete for the Badger Conference title. We’ve won every Badger Conference Championship since 2019 and the goal is the same. We have also won every regional championship since 2016, so that is another goal.”

Mosher believes a trio of seniors — Jared Batz, Charlie Wiegel and Jordan Klocke — will make significant contributions and have the talent to go far.

In the fall, Batz earned first-team all-conference accolades in cross country, as the Hounds won the Badger West and qualified for State. 

“Jared Batz has the potential to be a college distance runner and has been working hard to have a successful senior season,” Mosher said.

Additionally, Wiegel took third in the 200-meter dash and fourth in the high jump at conference a year ago. He was also part of the state championship 4x200 relay. Wiegel and teammate Klocke also come off a state-championship season in football.

“Monroe High School always had great athletes, especially so the last few years as we can see success across many sports,” Mosher said. “Track and field around the world is referred to as athletics because it is essentially a competition to see who is the most athletic. Having such great athletes is a definite strength.”

Underclassmen will also play a significant role, as many gained varsity experience as freshman a season ago.

“We are expecting to see a big jump in contribution from the current sophomores. It’s tough to be a varsity athlete as a freshman, and many of these athletes had great freshman seasons and are primed to help this year.”

With an incoming freshman class of 25 athletes, Monroe will have one of its largest teams in years. With their depth, the Cheesemakers look to compete with Edgewood, Oregon and Mount Horeb for the conference title.

“Edgewood, Oregon and Mount Horeb always have large teams and great athletes,” Mosher said. “They all will be competitive with a shot to win the conference meet. All teams in the Badger Conference are well coached with lots of athletes, so we really can’t count anyone out.”