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By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
STRATFORD – Stratford senior Matt Zuelke didn’t even run on the cross country team as a freshman. Three years later, he is getting ready for his third WIAA State Cross Country Championships.
Zuelke, coming off a career-best time of 16:47 set last week at the Athens sectional, will take part in the Division 3 boys race Saturday at the state meet at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. The Division 3 race is the first of six and is slated to start at 11 a.m.
“This year we’re hoping Matt will finish in the top-six and get on the podium,” Stratford coach Mark Guderski said.
Zuelke took 12th last year at the state meet and was 71st as a sophomore, when the Tigers went to state as a team. During his sophomore year, Zuelke ran only a few meets as he also played football at Stratford.
Guderski said he is hopeful Zuelke is healthy and ready to go Saturday.
“Last month, Matt was bothered with a cold and sore shins, but we believe he’s over both problems and is looking fresh now,” Guderski said.