JWP-WEM Bulldogs break school records; prepare for True Team and Conference meets
If the JWP-WEM track and field program had a theme for the last week of April, it would be history in the making. In a span of just 72 hours across two major meets, the Bulldogs didn’t just compete—they rewrote the record books, shattering three long-standing school marks and asserting themselves as a powerhouse in the region.
The headline of the week belongs to a trio of athletes who pushed the boundaries of their respective events:
- Ashlynn Wolff (JWP): Wolff continues to be her own toughest competition. In the 400-meter dash at Tuesday’s home meet, she clocked a blistering 1:00.84, slicing nearly half a second off her own JWP school record of 1:01.14 set earlier this season.
- Rachel Mielke (WEM): In a performance that brought the crowd to its feet, Mielke conquered the 300-meter hurdles in 47.82 seconds. This feat unseated a decade-old WEM record previously held by Tierney Winter (48.42) since 2016.
- Grady Grohman (WEM): The senior thrower is operating in a league of his own. After already claiming the JWP shot put record earlier this year, Grohman took down the WEM record on Thursday at the TCU meet with a massive heave of 56’ 7.25”. The throw eclipsed Tyler Velzke’s 2006 mark of 55’ 11”.
Tuesday, April 28: Senior Night Dominance at JWP
Under cool, windy conditions at their second home meet, the Bulldogs honored their seniors with a display of depth and grit. The girls’ 100M dash was a highlights reel in itself, as Condon (1st), Weimert (2nd), and Mielke (3rd) swept the podium in a Lady Dawg takeover.
On the boys’ side, the 4×200 relay team of Atherton, Bartz, Einertson, and Bauer left the competition in the dust to take first place. Individual gold medals were also earned by Atherton (200M) and Grohman (Shot Put & Discus).
Despite a bones crew due to some varsity absences, both the boys and girls programs secured impressive 2nd place overall team finishes against a field that included Hutchinson, NRHEG, and Mayer Lutheran.
Thursday, April 30: The TCU Grind
The momentum carried into Thursday at Tri-City United.
Atherton proved his versatility, taking 1st in both the 200M and 400M, while Weedman leapt to a 1st place finish in the Long Jump. Condon remained untouchable in the jumps, securing 1st in both the Long Jump and Triple Jump. The boys’ team secured another 2nd place team finish, while the girls battled to a strong 3rd place showing.
The Litmus Test Ahead
It was another successful week of competition for JWP-WEM on the track and field, but there is still room for improvement as the season enters its final stretch. Coach Schruin congratulated Wolff, Mielke, and Grohman for their record-breaking performances as well as the senior class, “The success we’ve enjoyed this season really is a testament to the work ethic of our athletes, especially our seniors. They’ve played a huge role in setting the tone for our program and have been great mentors for the younger athletes. “
As for the team as a whole, Schruin gave credit where it was due, but like any Coach worth their salt, he knows there are further heights these Bulldogs can reach, “We as a coaching staff are pleased with where we are at…at the same time, we know there’s still a lot we need to improve on, which is exactly where we want to be heading into True Team, Conference, Subs and Sections. The goal is to be competing at our best when it matters most!
The Lady Dawgs will travel to the True Team meet on May 5, a grueling test of program depth. Following that, the entire Bulldog squad will return home to Janesville on May 9 for a Gopher Conference meet. With the records falling and the seniors hungry for a grand finale, the Bulldogs are signaling to the rest of the conference that they are far from finished.
