The 5-foot-5, 129-pound sophomore raced to victory at the Division 1 state championship, winning with a lean at the finish line to break the tape in 15:26.7, just 0.20 seconds ahead of his next-closest competitor. Putz was the state’s top performer at the Roy Griak Invitational, where he finished fourth overall in 15:38.0. He capped his season by taking 11th at the Champs Sports Midwest Regionals.
Putz has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. He will begin his junior year of high school this fall.
Putz has volunteered locally on behalf of Rotary Lights of La Crosse, helping with visitor hospitality. He’s also donated his time with St. Paul’s Church as part of multiple community service initiatives.
