WC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has formally become the home of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) high school state track competition.

While the competition has been held in La Crosse for the last 32 years, a recent WXOW report said it was all based on a verbal agreement, and this year marks the first formal arrangement between the two sides. The deal calls for UW-La Crosse and Explore La Crosse to continue hosting the event for the next five years, through 2026.

“UW-La Crosse is very pleased to carry on its 32 year partnership with the WIAA and continue serving as the host site for the State Track Meet,” University Chancellor Joe Gow told WEAU.com recently. “It’s a tremendous event that showcases the outstanding hospitality of the La Crosse community. UWL would especially like to recognize the efforts of Explore La Crosse and the local business community which were instrumental in keeping the State Track Meet in La Crosse for years to come.”

With this year’s event slated to be held June 3-4, the 516 schools that make up the field will have full access to the Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex as well as Mitchell Hall. In addition, beginning with the 2023 championship, the schools will also be able to use the Field House.

With the event attracting in the neighborhood of 21,000 people prior to the pandemic, WIAA estimates that the championship brings in approximately $4 million to the La Crosse area each year. While the numbers dipped to approximately 16,000 since the cancelled 2020 year, Explore La Crosse still recently thanked all of its sponsors and supporters for allowing the tradition and opportunity to continue to thrive.