“The Oregon-bound Watcke not only roared to victory at the Class 3A state meet, but he also beat an all-star field at the HOKA Festival of Miles. Watcke then finished as a close runner-up in what was arguably the strongest 800 field in history at Brooks PR. He also anchored his teammates to the national title at Nike Outdoor Nationals in the second-fastest boys’ prep 4x800 relay performance of all time.”

Rich Gonzalez

editor of PrepCalTrack.com

Athletic Excellence

The 5-foot-11, 140-pound senior won the 800-meter run at the Class 3A state meet this past season, leading the Red Devils to a fourth place team finish. Competing against professionals in late June, Watcke took 10th in the 800 with a time of 1:47.70, which broke the state record. That mark ranked No. 2 nationally among prep competitors in 2023. Watcke also anchored Hinsdale’s 4x800 relay quartet to the title at Nike Outdoor Nationals with a time of 7:29.20, the second-fastest performance in U.S. prep history. In addition, his postseason featured a win in the 800 at the Hoka Festival of Miles and a silver at the Brooks PR Invitational.

Academic Achievement

Watcke has maintained a weighted 4.69 GPA in the classroom. He has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete on an athletic scholarship at the University of Oregon this fall.

Exemplary Character

Watcke has volunteered locally on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House of DuPage County, Feed My Starving Children, HCS Family Services and Notre Dame Catholic Church.