The 2025 track and field season is underway, and expectations are high for the Wagner Red Raiders under the guidance of Coaches Jenny Zephier, Matt Slaba, Jason Knebel, and Trevor Greger. With a strong group of returning athletes and promising underclassmen, the team is poised to make strides—both literally and figuratively—on the track and in the field.

Leading the Pack

This year’s team features a solid core of seniors: Gabe Houseman, Cadee Nelson, Parker Petry, Jackson Rolston, Presley Slaba, Carter Smejkal, and Macee Stimpson. Their leadership, both on and off the track, will be instrumental in setting the tone for the season.

Among the standout returners is Ashlyn Koupal, who is chasing her fifth straight state title in the high jump and returns as a state shot put contender. Brayden Kreber will anchor the boys’ sprint team and aims for a return to state in the long jump. Shea Kjeldgaard and Jackson Rolston bring experience and drive in the high jump and hurdles, while Javian Pesicka adds firepower in the long jump and javelin.

Looking Back: 2024 Season Highlights

Last season’s team brought home two state titles—Jhett Breen in the 300 hurdles and Ashlyn Koupal in the high jump. Additional state qualifiers included Caleb Zephier (triple jump), Karstyn Lhotak (pole vault), Shea Kjeldgaard (high jump), and relay squads led by Jackson Rolston, Riley Roberts, Gannon Knebel, and Brayden Kreber.

The field events also shined with strong showings from Macy Koupal (discus), Ashlyn Koupal (shot put), and Kya Kjeldgaard ( javelin). It was a season that showcased the team’s depth across all event categories.

Eyes on 2025: New Goals and Rising Talent While the ultimate goal remains to send as many athletes as possible to the state meet, the coaches emphasize personal growth: “Track and field is about improving your own time, height, or distance,” says Coach Slaba. “Everyone has the opportunity to compete against themselves, and that’s where the real progress is made.”

The team boasts a large and diverse roster, including a healthy mix of juniors like Addi Cuka, Shea Kjeldgaard, and Gannon Knebel, as well as sophomores like Jesse Zephier— who’s showing strong potential in the triple and long jumps—and freshman Payne Petry and 8th grader Grady Bartunek, who represent the program’s future.

Addi Cuka is expected to be a leading sprinter for the girls, while Parker Petry will anchor the boys’ throwing events. The enthusiasm is palpable across all grades, and younger athletes are already stepping up and showing promise.

Challengers and Meet Highlights In terms of competition, the coaches expect tough battles with Ethan/Parkston and Hanson on the boys' side, and Ethan/Parkston, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, and Mt. Vernon-Plankinton on the girls' side.

The season opened with a meet in Parkston, followed by the home meet on Tuesday, April 15.

Building a Program That Lasts Coach Slaba believes in the power of example: “Our seniors set a great tone, and when the younger kids see their commitment and energy, it’s contagious. That’s how programs grow—by inspiring the next group to stick with it and love the sport.”

With a mix of proven talent and budding athletes, the 2025 track and field team is set to deliver excitement, improvement, and maybe a few surprises along the way. No matter the outcome, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of personal bests will define their journey.