MONROE — The Cheesemakers were regional champions for the sixth season in a row in 2021, and on of the goals for 2022 is to make it seven-straight. But it won’t necessarily be easy, as Monroe graduated two of its team leaders, one of which was a state qualifier.
“Every year I put here that my goal is to compete for a conference championship, whether we are expected to or not, that’s the goal,” said Scott Mosher, Monroe’s coach. “Along with that we hope to win our seventh straight regional championship, bring back a sectional championship, and then advance as many athletes as possible to the state meet.”
Back this spring are a handful of talented seniors, including Valparaiso-recruit Jason Carpenter (hurdles, 400-meter dash), Wisconsin football-recruit JT Seagreaves (sprints, jumps), and state qualifier Lucas Sathoff (mid-distance, long jump). Other seniors include Jake Blaser (sprints), Lucas Flom (sprints, long jump), Heath Huschitt (distance), Brady Schuh (pole vault) and Egor Sereda (sprints).
“The Senior Class is looking to go undefeated in conference championships for their career, which is quite an accomplishment considering how difficult it is in the Badger Conference,” Mosher said. “I believe there have been just two other Badger Conference championships for Monroe in that same time frame, so for them to have a chance to get their third (missed 2020 because of COVID-19), that’s pretty neat. Similarly, those boys who went out for football and basketball are looking to make a season sweep by winning the conference championship in all three seasons.”
Junior letterwinners are Jared Batz (distance), Isaac Bunker (throws), Austin Fuchs (throws), Jordan Klocke (sprints, long jump), Sean Rufenacht (throws) and Zander Slack (distance). Also returning are sophomores Caden Blum (sprints, jumps), Jakar Broitzman (sprints) and Brady Wyss (hurdles).
“We are expecting a good sized Freshman class with many that athletes play multiple sports and show a lot of athleticism,” Mosher said. “Our biggest strengths are depth and senior leadership. We are hoping to have one of our largest squads this year, and this will be one of the first in a while where we have a significant number of seniors. With that depth, the strength comes from the athletes’ willingness to try different events.”
Mosher said that with so many on the roster, some competitors will have to sacrifice an event or more to better help the team score more points.
“Everyone always wants to run the 100 meters, but there are only so many spots,” he said. “The expectation is that if everyone puts in the work to improve technique and fundamentals, as well as keep the team first mentality of competing in different events to help the team, that we will be competitive. What makes our team stronger is finding athletic kids willing to do the hurdles, middle distance events, and field events.”
