The WIAA has signed an eight-year extension with UW-La Crosse to host the state track and field championships until 2034. This partnership aims to inspire student-athletes and enhance the event experience.
Key points
WIAA extends contract with UW-La Crosse for state track meet
Agreement lasts through 2034
Event hosted at Roger Harring Stadium
Partnership aims to inspire student-athletes
Community support enhances event atmosphere
Mentioned in this story
WIAAUniversity of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse
WIAA, UW-La Crosse agree to eight-year extension for state track meet
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has agreed to terms on an eight-year contract extension with University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Explore La Crosse to host the WIAA state track and field championships through 2034.
âOn behalf of the 515 member schools in the Association, the WIAA is proud to continue our partnership with UWL, Explore La Crosse and the local community for the next eight years.â WIAA executive director Stephanie Hauser said in a news release. âBy bringing our state track and field championships to the premier facilities at UW-La Crosseâs Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex, we are doing more than just hosting an event â we are inspiring champions for life.
âThe incredible synergy between this world-class venue and the unwavering support of the university and community creates an unmatched atmosphere for every student-athlete, coach, official, and fan involved,â she said.
The WIAA has hosted the state track and field championships at Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex every year since moving the event from Madison in 1990. The lone exception was 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the event being canceled.
âWe are thrilled to extend our longstanding partnership with the WIAA and continue to serve as the host site for the state track and field championships," University of Wisconsin-La Crosse chancellor James Beeby said.
"It is an honor to have so many incredible athletes and enthusiastic spectators on our campus each spring, and we are especially grateful for the incredible support and collaboration we receive from the WIAA and Explore La Crosse. By working together, we ensure that this continues to be a signature event for our city, region and state â one that not only boosts the local economy, but showcases our wonderful campus and all the amazing things La Crosse has to offer."
According to the release from the WIAA, the event has attracted an average attendance of 16,255 throughout the 35 years of hosting the event in La Crosse, including an average of more than 20,000 spectators in the last decade. The projected annual economic impact of the state meet in the La Crosse area is approximately $4 million.
"After having a five-year arrangement with the WIAA, Explore La Crosse and the University of WisconsinâLa Crosse, we are extremely excited about an eight-year extension with the WIAA that will secure the state track and field championships for the La Crosse region through 2034," Explore La Crosse executive director A.J. Frels said. "This opportunity is only possible due to the generosity of many community sponsors from throughout the La Crosse region.
Q&A
What is the duration of the WIAA and UW-La Crosse contract extension?
The contract extension lasts for eight years, continuing through 2034.
Where will the WIAA state track and field championships be held?
The championships will be held at UW-La Crosse's Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex.
Who is the executive director of the WIAA?
Stephanie Hauser is the executive director of the WIAA.
What is the significance of the partnership between WIAA and UW-La Crosse?
The partnership aims to create an inspiring atmosphere for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans, enhancing the overall experience of the championships.
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âWe are truly blessed to have so many great champions living in our communities," Frels said. "I cannot thank the sponsors, UWL, and the WIAA enough for their collaboration in making this agreement a reality. It is a great honor to work with these organizations, knowing that our work always aims to improve experiences for Wisconsin high school athletes."
The 2026 state meet is scheduled for June 5-6. The Milwaukee area has won eight boys team track and field titles since the cancellation of the 2020 event, while area girls programs have won four team state titles, including Arrowhead to conclude the 2025 season in Division 1.
Muskego's Cora Jahimiak (8) celebrates a double to center field during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls Ally Bichler (2) delivers a pitch during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego's Sydney Gauthier (26) delivers a pitch during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls second baseman Elise Warnock (28) makes a catch during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls center fielder Kylee Schellhaas (7) throws one back during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego shortstop Samantha Brunner (2) takes aim on first base during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego's Ava Gumieny (10) reaches for the out at first base during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls left fielder Brenna Hutchinson (24) throws one back during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls first baseman Brynn Johnson (16) gets an out during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego second baseman Lily George (7) scoops up a ground ball during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls softball head coach Scott Eldredge talks with players during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego's Lily George (7) races to third on a triple during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego's Kyleigh Sadler (11) connects for a single during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego's Libby Kreil (13) fouls one off during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls right fielder Hailey Meinholz (22) loses a fly ball in the sun during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Menomonee Falls third baseman Natalie Heckel (12) can't secure a foul ball during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego's Ava Gumieny (10) gets the out at first base during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego softball head coach Brooke Balk congratulates Ava Gumieny (10) on a home run in the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
Muskego teammates wait to celebrate a home run with Ava Gumieny (10) during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
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Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Cora Jahimiak (8) celebrates a double to center field during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
1 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Cora Jahimiak (8) celebrates a double to center field during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
2 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls Ally Bichler (2) delivers a pitch during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
3 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Sydney Gauthier (26) delivers a pitch during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
4 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls second baseman Elise Warnock (28) makes a catch during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
5 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls center fielder Kylee Schellhaas (7) throws one back during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
6 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego shortstop Samantha Brunner (2) takes aim on first base during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
7 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Ava Gumieny (10) reaches for the out at first base during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
8 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls left fielder Brenna Hutchinson (24) throws one back during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
9 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls first baseman Brynn Johnson (16) gets an out during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
10 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego second baseman Lily George (7) scoops up a ground ball during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
11 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls softball head coach Scott Eldredge talks with players during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
12 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Lily George (7) races to third on a triple during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
13 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Kyleigh Sadler (11) connects for a single during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
14 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Libby Kreil (13) fouls one off during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
15 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls right fielder Hailey Meinholz (22) loses a fly ball in the sun during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
16 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Menomonee Falls third baseman Natalie Heckel (12) can't secure a foul ball during the game against Muskego at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
17 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego's Ava Gumieny (10) gets the out at first base during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
18 / 19
Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego softball head coach Brooke Balk congratulates Ava Gumieny (10) on a home run in the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
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Muskego softball defeats Menomonee Falls, 11-3, on April 25
Muskego teammates wait to celebrate a home run with Ava Gumieny (10) during the game at Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Muskego won the game, 11-3.
