Looking back at the 2025 outdoor season can give us an early glimpse of the next generation of Wisconsin distance talent. With limited middle school indoor competition across the state, last spring's results provide the clearest picture of which athletes in the Classes of 2030 and 2031 are emerging as early standouts in events from the 800 meters through the 3200.
Several athletes already showed impressive range and championship experience at meets like the Wisconsin Middle School Track & Field Championships, while others carried strong momentum into the summer club season.
Boys Leaders: Helms Sets the Early Standard
The Class of 2030 distance group is led by Austin Helms (Kiel Middle School), who stood out as one of the most dominant middle school distance runners in the state last spring. Helms captured titles at the Wisconsin Middle School Championships in both the 800 meters (2:14.99) and 1600 meters (4:48.91), giving him the fastest returning marks in both events.
Close behind is Jackson Lawton (Flambeau), who finished runner-up to Helms in both races with marks of 2:15.33 and 4:56.47, establishing himself as another key contender in the middle-distance events.
Several other athletes showed strong range across both distances, including Knox Wedge (Stallions Track Club (WI)) and David Fernando-Rubio (Arcadia), both of whom placed among the state's best in the 800 and 1600. Ramsey Prellwitz (Ripon) also impressed with top-three finishes at the state meet and times of 2:18.33 and 5:02.19.
In the longer distances, Luke Potrzebowski (Badger Track Club) leads the returning 3200 meter performers after running 12:03.50 during the summer track season.
Girls Leaders: Johnsen Headlines a Deep Class
On the girls side, Julianne Johnsen (Forest Park Middle School) is one of Wisconsin's most accomplished young distance runners. She posted the fastest marks in both the 800 meters (2:27.58) and 1600 meters (5:22.16) while competing at Nike Outdoor Nationals, establishing herself as the top returning runner in the Class of 2030.
Pushing close behind in the distance events is Ava Wetenkamp (Unattached - WI), who won the 1600 meter title at the Wisconsin Middle School Championships in 5:24.80 while also running 2:31.11 in the 800.
Another athlete to watch is Brenna Meyer (Kimberly JRG), who ran 2:30.93 in the 800 and 5:27.09 in the 1600, placing her among the top middle-distance athletes in the class.
Depth continues through the distance ranks with athletes such as Kinley Richard (Unattached - WI) and Ida Arnold (Parkview) both ranking among the top returners in the 800 and 1600.
Boys Class of 2031: Payne Leads the Next Wave
The Class of 2031 group is led by Noah Payne (Wisconsin United Track Club). Payne ran 2:16.91 in the 800 meters during the summer season at the AAU Junior Olympic Games, the fastest mark among returning runners from his class.
Several athletes from the Wisconsin Middle School Championships also return with strong credentials. Jude Langreck (Mineral Point Middle School) won the state 800 title and also ranks among the top 1600 runners with a 5:30.45 best.
Everett Anderson (Northwestern) leads the returning Class of 2031 1600 performers after running 5:16.88 last year, while athletes like Moses Ramirez (USM Middle School) and Caleb Rickert (Logan Middle School) showed the ability to compete across multiple distance events.
Girls Class of 2031: Kant and Tonies Set the Pace
The Class of 2031 girls distance group is led by Stella Kant (St Mary's Springs Middle School), who led the Class in the 800 and 1600 at the Wisconsin Middle School Championships with times of 2:37.18 and 5:43.81.
Finishing just behind her in both races is Ella Tonies (Lake Mills), who ran 2:38.18 and 5:43.87, setting the table for some close, competitive races this outdoor season.
Several other athletes to keep an eye on include Cecelia Skrepenski (Kiel Middle School) and Opal Ryan (Home School Eagles).
Looking to the longer distances, Colette Althoff (La Crosse Track Club) posted the fastest Class of 2031 returning 3200 meter performance at 14:23.34.
Looking Ahead
While middle school results often evolve quickly as athletes continue to develop, the performances from the 2025 Wisconsin middle school outdoor season suggest a deep pipeline of emerging distance talent.
With athletes like Austin Helms, Julianne Johnsen, Noah Payne, and Stella Kant already posting impressive marks across multiple events, the coming years should provide an exciting look at how this group continues to develop as they transition into the high school ranks.