LA CROSSE – Grady Lenn didn’t come to La Crosse to make history. He came to win. But by the time the junior crossed his second finish line in two days — arms raised, lungs empty, record book rewritten — history didn’t really give him a choice.
Lenn delivered one of the most remarkable distance doubles in WIAA state track and field history, winning both the Division 1 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs, breaking all-time state records in both events. His 4:01.79 in the 1,600 obliterated a 27-year-old record (4:04.97, set in 1997), and his 8:52.79 in the 3,200 shaved more than a second off the previous mark set in 2021 (8:53.87).
The weekend began under cloudy skies and a tense stadium, with fans and athletes thinking back to the rainstorm that delayed the meet two years ago. The 1,600 was stacked with talent, but Lenn didn’t hesitate. With the No. 1 on his hip, he was the favorite. From the gun, he settled in behind the early leaders, staying composed through the first two laps. Then, with 600 meters to go, he made his move.
What happened next was hard to believe — even for those who had watched him dominate all season. Lenn tore through the final 400 in a near-sprint, dropping a 58.94-second split. But as he rounded the final curve, eyes on the finish line, a familiar purple jersey was still there. Manny Putz was making his move too. With 100 meters to go, both runners — exhausted, driving forward — sprinted stride for stride, the crowd on its feet.
In the end, it was Lenn. As it’s always been.
He crossed the line and couldn’t hold back his emotions as he saw the clock: a new WIAA state record by more than three seconds. The tears flowed — from Lenn and many others — as hugs were exchanged and competitors joined in to celebrate the moment.
“I kind of just couldn’t hold back my emotions. Making all of my family proud was the best thing,” Lenn said after the 1,600. “It felt so good crossing that line. Now I need to lock in for tomorrow.”
Saturday brought more rain — and the long-anticipated 3,200. At the start line once again was Manny Putz, the defending state champion and fellow UW–Madison commit. For the better part of three years, the two had pushed each other through cross country courses and track meets across Wisconsin.
This time, it was personal — but not in the way most rivalries are.
“He’s a great guy, he’s a great competitor. I love racing him, I love talking to him,” Lenn said of his future college teammate.
The race unfolded with the kind of tension only the 3,200 can deliver. Putz took the lead early and began to break away two laps in. Lenn stayed tucked in behind him for six full laps. Then, coming into the bell lap, he surged to the outside and passed.
Lenn dug deep in the final 400, separating just enough. He crossed in 8:52.79, exactly one second ahead of Putz — and one second faster than any high schooler in Wisconsin history.
“The plan was to sit on him for most of the race, let him do the work, and then make my move with 800 left,” Lenn said. “I think it worked perfectly.”
This time, the emotion wasn’t tears — it was triumph.
He crossed the line pointing, shouting at the crowd.
“That’s two now!” Lenn yelled, after claiming his second gold medal and second all-time state record.
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