Boyceville has disappointing State meet

By Missy Klatt

LA CROSSE – For the Bulldogs, the 2018 WIAA State Track and Field Championships held on June 1st and 2nd was a bit of a disappointment.

During sectionals Brandon Kenefick and Paulina Wienke both qualified to go to state; Kenefick in pole vault and Wienke in discus. Unfortunately for Kenefick he made it to state but only as a spectator.

Kenefick’s story as told by head track coach, Corey Day is as follows:

“Brandon had an unfortunate accident when he went to light a fire at his graduation.  It was very hot and the air was heavy and the fumes from gas did not go anywhere so when he lit near where the gas was the fumes exploded.

He was flown to Regions burn center and was released Wednesday. Doctors believe everything will heal over the next weeks without surgery or skin graphs.

He made it down to watch all bandaged up.

Guys from our sectional that Brandon beat placed 3rd and 5th.  I believe he was capable of winning the whole thing.

‘It is a thing that can bring a grown man to tears.’

Athletics teach you about adversity and he definitely had to overcome a lot this past week.

The nurse commented that he was her favorite patient because he would make her laugh.

This was definitely a setback but it is not going to keep Brandon down for very long that is evident. I am guessing most people in his situation would not have made it out in a week to watch state, which I attribute to Brandon’s passion for life and attitude.”

Brandon plans on attending UW-Stevens Point where he will compete in Track & Field.

Wienke had to wait until Saturday morning to compete in the discus. Her first throw at state went 94’9”. Unfortunately her next two throws which were better went out of bounds. According to Coach Day, she had been really consistent the weeks leading up to the meet. He goes on to say “she had a great career as a two time State Qualifier.”

Wienke plans to attend UW-Platteville where she plans on competing in Track and Field.