Members of the 2026 Argyle/Pecatonica Track & Field Teams are (l-r) front: Mazie Theorin, Scarlett Jacoby, Maddy Webster, Loretta Tisch, Brianna Gaertig, Jayden Johnson, Grant Kuberski, Bryce Slater, Gunner Gerber, Eli Harris, Kody Baumann, Emerson Koch, Deacon Kubeli; row 2: Katy Wunsch, Aleah Harris, Brooke Wellnitz, Matthew Jayne, Barrett Ferrell, Connor Rogers, Brock Erickson, Alex Domine, Bo Stateler, Landon Wahl, Jonah Hanson; row 3: Chloe Clark, Sophie Howard, Avery Webster, Rob Tribolet, Tristan Olson, Nolan Mccarthy, Alex Fernandez, Nicholas Lelle, Braydon Slater, Bryar Slater; row 4: Charlissa Collins, Olivia Anderson, Calla Stateler, Dalaney Fisher, Dan Dresen, Leaf Kyrie, Isabelle Dresen, Elise Kuebli, Isla Jorenby, Ayden Slater, Chase Fisher, Kaleb Baumann; row 5: Manager Londyn Klocek, Assistant Coach Alana Gilbertson, Assistant Coach Allie Godfrey, Assistant Coach lan Murphy, Coach Jason Klocek.
As Jason Klocek, Argyle-Pecatonica Track and Field coach, starts his 10th season he does so with high expectations.
The reason? There are a ton of letterwinners returning from two successful squads for the girls and boys. The girls return as Six Rivers conference champions and the boys finished in third place.
Klocek will be looking at making up for some key graduates, namely: -Lexi Harrison, key member of relays
-Braelyn Meinert, key member of team
-Garrett Phillipson, state qualifier 4×800
The good new is there are a strong group of experienced tracksters returning which Klocek sees as a huge plus.
“We return over 40 letter winners between the boys and girls teams,” said Klocek. “We have a few big time returnees for the girls in Loretta Tisch, state qualifier as a soph in the 300m hurdles, Brooke Wellnitz, state qualifier as a frosh in triple jump, plus a multiple time conference champion, regional champion and all around incredible athlete, Elyse Kuebli, Breanna Gaertig, Mazie Theorin, Sophie Howard, all key contributors to our conference championship. The boys return a load of talent, led by Ayden Slater, Grant Kuberski, Eli Harris, who return from a state appearance. Barrett Ferrell is a talent, Alex Domine leads a strong group of juniors.”
Newcomers who could be making significant contributions for the coop this season include:
-Brock Erickson is a newcomer who is going to come in and contribute right away for the boys in multiple events
-Deacon Kuebli is expected to be a strong contributor as well.
Klocek asks those following A/P track and field to keep an eye on Loretta Tisch who is finishing up a special career for A/P. Klocek sees her as an outstanding athlete.
“Loretta Tisch is about to cap off a great career, she’s the defending conference champ in the 100m, 300m hurdles, helped us win our first team conference champ in school history,” Klocek said. “She will play volleyball in college.
Another to watch is sjuniorstandout Brooke Wellnitz.
“Brooke Wellnitz is getting attention from all over the state and region and a school record holder in the triple jump and pole vault,” Klocek points out.
Klocek says the co-op has some high expectations and goals for the 2026 season.
“For the girls, its to defend the crown, repeat as conference champions, and get our talent through the post season back to state and get on the podium,” Klocek said. “We have that type of talent.”
“The boys fell just short last year, but this year, we want to not only win conference as a team, but set our sights beyond that,” says Klocek. “That’s going to be key for us this year is looking forward, not back.”
Klocek knows the fact so many key athletes return is the main strength for the co-op.
“We return nearly everyone on both teams, so experience is our biggest strength,”” Klocek says. “Knowing what to expect from the start to the finish of each practice, each meet while preparing physically and mentally.”
To achieve their full potential the co-op Klocek is stressing to be consistent along with consistent hard work.
“Being consistent every meet, making sure we are pushing and challenging ourselves daily, and not coming in overconfident are the keys,” said Klocek. “The bar moves up for us and we need to clear it. The team has to realize that.”
There are challenges throughout the conference.
“The Six Rivers is always tough,” says Klocek
“Benton/Scales Mounds/Shullsburg, River Ridge, Albany, all are well coached and prepared so we have our work cut out for us for sure.”
Assisting the co-op is Allison Godfrey.