High School Stars Shine in Sports Highlights: Sept. 30 Edition

The La Crosse Tribune has spotlighted five outstanding high school boys athletes for the week of September 30, 2023. Each athlete’s performance, though not always statistically dominant, significantly impacted their team and deserves recognition. Readers are invited to vote for the “Supernova,” the standout performance of the week.

Notable Performances from West Salem to Sparta

King Peyton King has been a versatile player for the West Salem soccer team this season, taking on multiple roles including left back, defensive midfielder, and goalkeeper. His efforts culminated in a remarkable moment during a match against Aquinas, where he scored his first goal of the season from an impressive distance of 30 yards. West Salem coach Thomas Fell praised King, noting, “The skills and talent and the hard work over the years playing club soccer … have surely shown on the field.”

In cross country, Ben Carney from Sparta made headlines by winning the Westby Invitational with a time of 17 minutes and 0.30 seconds, finishing over 40 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. His performance helped lead Sparta to victory in the event, bolstered by a strong showing from other team members who also placed in the top 15.

Dynamic Plays on the Football Field

In football, Brendan Chenault of Onalaska delivered a standout performance against Logan, catching five passes for a remarkable 155 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed defensively with an interception, helping his team secure a 28-12 victory. Onalaska coach Tom Yashinsky highlighted Chenault’s athleticism, stating, “Brendan’s a super athletic kid, I think he’s the fastest kid on the field just about every time he steps on it.”

The exceptional versatility of Marcus Klar from Aquinas was on full display during a 50-22 win against Black River Falls. The senior excelled on both sides of the ball, throwing for a touchdown, catching an 82-yard pass for another score, and successfully executing two two-point conversions. He also made contributions defensively with a sack and a tackle for loss, showcasing his all-around talent.

Completing the list of honorees, Carson Mayer from Gale-Ettrick-Trempeleau achieved a personal best of 18 minutes and 29 seconds at the Westby Invitational, finishing in eighth place and helping his team secure third overall.

The La Crosse Tribune invites readers to participate in the Supernova voting, recognizing excellence in high school athletics. Congratulations to Gabe Passe from Logan, who was named last week’s Supernova winner with 38% of the vote.

These athletes represent the spirit and determination found in high school sports, each contributing uniquely to their teams and inspiring their communities.