Track and field: Lapacek finishes ninth at state in high jump

Merdeci Lapacek made sure her trip to La Crosse didn’t end with disappointment.

Representing the Poynette girls’ track and field team at the WIAA Division 3 State Track and Field Meet over the weekend, Lapacek finished ninth in the high jump, soaring over 5-2.

“We were really happy with Mercedi’s performance in her first trip to the state meet,” said Kevin Frehner, head coach for the Pumas. “She really battled and showed mental toughness at 5-2. She cleared it on her final attempt after two misses that were not good jumps for her. I was especially impressed with her ability to regroup in a short period of time and prepare to clear that last attempt. I don’t think she could have done that last season. She has lots to be proud of.”

Lapacek was Poynette’s lone qualifier for state for this season, as she became the 12 Poynette athlete to go to state in the high jump and the seventh female to do so. She was also the first Puma to qualify for state since 2021.