2026 WIAA Division 3 State Track Preview: Chris Marcell & the Small-School Stars

Don't let the small-school label fool you: Division 3 may bring the single most dominant athlete to the entire 2026 state meet (La Crosse, June 5–6).

More previews: State meet overview · Division 1 · Division 2 · State Meet hub

The Marcell show

Marathon's Chris Marcell leads every division in the state in both the shot put (69-01) and the discus (212-00) — throws that would headline any classification in Wisconsin. He's the centerpiece of a deep Marathon team that also features sprinter Fred Tylinski (10.78) and hurdler Garrett Bracewell, who sweeps the 110 and 300 hurdles — making the Red Raiders a favorite for the team crown.

Boys: speed in the small schools

Rosholt's Alex Wierzba and Stratford's Zander Zawislan headline the 200/400, and Pacelli's Luke Eiden doubles in the 800m (1:57.02) and 3200m. Markesan's Owen Dornfeld leads the triple jump (46-0) and Chetek-Weyerhaeuser's Noah Nelson the vault (14-0).

Girls: Doerner's double

Mishicot's Juliana Doerner is the D3 sprint queen, leading the 100m (11.90) and 200m (24.30). Assumption's Bella Thomas owns the 400m (56.15), Kohler's Maggie Behler the 1600m, and Clear Lake's Cora Voeltz the long jump. Athens' Sy'Rih Hartwig tops the shot put.

The team race

Assumption and Marathon top the D3 depth chart, with Kickapoo/La Farge close behind — the Royals' relays against Marathon's throws-and-sprints balance set up a compelling team battle.

Follow every D3 final on the State Meet hub. Always free on WI Athlete.