Cadott High School senior Iszy Sonnentag will compete for her fourth consecutive state championship in the 400-meter dash at the Wisconsin state track and field meet.
The event takes place Friday and Saturday at UW-La Crosse's Roger Harring Stadium.
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An ankle injury sustained this spring forced the North Dakota State commit to focus exclusively on the 400-meter event during her final high school season.
She was unable to defend her previous state titles in the 100 hurdles and long jump.
Sonnentag secured her spot in the state meet by winning the Division 3 Sectional qualifier on Friday with a time of 55.84 seconds.
She narrowly defeated Maggie Wooten of Frederic by 0.15 seconds.
The five-time state champion currently holds the state 400-meter record of 54.99 seconds. She established that mark during the preliminary rounds in La Crosse last year.
Cadott coach Pat Rothbauer acknowledged the challenges Sonnentag faced this season.
"It has been a struggle for Iszy dealing with the injury and all of the other adversity this season," Rothbauer said.
The veteran coach credited her determination for overcoming physical limitations during the sectional qualifiers.
"She has been gifted with a lot of talent, but it is her work ethic and incredible mental toughness that have helped her achieve everything.
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She can really dig deep during the most painful part of the race," Rothbauer said.
