MANKATO — Mankato East senior Madison Wolle made the most of her opportunities Thursday, helping the Cougars to a solid performance in the annual Cougar Relays at Wolverton Field.
Wolle was the lead runner for the winning 4,000-meter distance medley relay team. She combined with Jaiden Danielson. Hayden Johnston and Ady Lurken for a time of 12:58.83.
She also turned in the best time in the 4 x mile competition, clocking a 5:25.03
“I’ve been running track for all seven seasons, well six if you count the Covid year,” Wolle said. “I got into it when my twin brother (Dominic) said he was going to do it. I figured I might as well do it, too.”
Wolle already has her future planned out as she has been accepted to Division II Bentley University in Massachusetts. “I’m going to major in business, and I’m going to run, too,” she said.
The Cougars also finished first in the 4×200 relay (1.48.51), 1,600 sprint medley relay (4:29.23), 4×100 relay (52.80), 4×400 relay (4:10.13), 4×100 hurdle relay (1:08.44) and discus relay (338-5).
Waseca’s Brooklyn Flatau had a nice day, delivering the best time in the 100 hurdles (15.64). She also topped the field in the long jump (16-feet-6 1/2).
The junior went out for track for the first time last year and qualified for state in a couple of events.
“I was surprised and very grateful that I was able to accomplish that,” she said. “I’m trying to get back to state in a couple of events this year, too.”
Already an accomplished hurdler, Flatau is also a good sprinter and began competing in the pole vault this season.
“She’s one of those athletes you love to coach,” Waseca coach Dave Abel said. “She’s willing to try anything.”
East won the meet with 224 points. The Cougars were followed by Belle Plaine (195), St. Peter (169), Jordan 128), Faribault 120), New Ulm (105), Waseca (98) and Marshall (59).