BLANCHARDVILLE — Pecatonica-Argyle track and field has had success as of late, largely due to hurdlers Anna Tisch and Ridge Toay.

“When people think of Pecatonica-Argyle track and field, it’s Anna Tisch and Ridge Toay who immediately spring to mind because those are two who have been to La Crosse,” head coach Jason Klocek said. “Anna has gone multiple times in her young career and Ridge burst onto the scene midway through last year.”

Tisch was a conference and regional champion in the 300-meter hurdles in 2022. She took third at the sectional meet to qualify for state, where she finished 12th. Tisch also took home the 100-meter hurdle title at regionals. As such, she is being heavily recruited by multiple UW-system schools.

Toay’s future is already decided, however, as he has committed to UW-Stout for cross country and track. His resume includes 300-meter hurdles conference champion, second in sectionals and ninth at state. 

Senior Jace Starr has also had success in his hurdling career, qualifying for sectionals in the 110-meter high hurdles a season ago.

Other returning letter winners include Norah McCarthy, Kaisen Kolb and Paige Toay on the girls side, and Samuel Koch, Ryan Harris, Jake Worthington, Levi Paust, Colton Love and Quin Murphy.

Freshman Loretta Tisch and Brianna Gaertig are also expected to make a big impact for the girls team this year.

“We have a young team this season, but we also have quite a few seniors,” Klocek said. “So we are going to need the seniors to help out our youngsters focus on getting used to the rigors of high school track and field and focus on getting better one practice; one event; one meet at a time.”

On paper, Klocek said both teams look pretty deep, and deeper than they have been in the past few years.

“That being said, we will have to wait and see who shows up Day 1 ready to work and build from there,” Klocek said. “We have some talent, now we just have to put it all together.”

Klocek added that River Ridge and Benton-Scales Mound-Shullsburg each have good programs with strong numbers in recent years. Both schools should contend for a conference crown, along with Albany.

“Albany is always a challenge, too,” Klocek said. “But don’t count us out in certain areas. I like our chances once we get up and running — no pun intended.”