Local athletes earn gold at Badger State Games

Athletes from Shawano, Tigerton and Gillett were among those competing and winning at the Badger State Games, held June 21 in Marathon City. Andre Peterson, who will be a freshman at Shawano Community High School in the fall, won first place in the triple jump and set three new personal records. Competing against other 13- and 14-year-olds, he had a new PR and won the gold in the triple jump at 35 feet, 4 inches. Peterson also had PRs when he placed second in the 100-meter dash in 12.4 seconds and second in the 200-meter dash in 25.43 seconds. In the long jump, he finished fourth at 16-5. “We are incredibly proud of Andre’s hard work and sportsmanship,” said his dad, Larry Peterson. Presley Rolfs, of Tigerton, competed in the girls 15-16 age division. She won the discus with a throw of 114-5 and placed second in the shot put at 31-6. Gillett’s Ila Perlich competed in the girls 9-10 age group and earned second place in the 200-meter dash in 37.61 seconds. She also placed fourth in the 100-meter dash in 16.99 and the long jump at 9-2.75. Oliver Perlich, Gillett, placed second in the 200-meter dash in 39.93 and fifth in the 100-meter dash in 18.73, both in the boys 8U division. The Badger State Games aren’t only for youth athletes. Richard Wisneski, of Shawano, was the only competitor in the mens 75-79 masters age group, which resulted in three gold medals. His times were 19.57 in the 100-meter dash, 42.79 in the 200-meter dash and 1:52.75 in the 400-meter dash. Jeremiah Rolfs, of Tigerton, was the sole participant in the mens 40-44 masters group for the shot put and discus. His winning shot put distance was 39-1.75, and his winning discus throw was 159-10. Badger State Games offers individuals and teams of all ages the opportunity to compete in a variety of amateur events in the style of the Olympic Games. All events have multiple divisions allowing everyone from amateurs to experienced athletes to participate. All athletes who medal in the Badger State Games are invited to participate in the State Games of America.