Keller leaps to bronze

A repeat state title was not to be for Port Washington High School’s Peyton Keller in the Division 1  high jump at the state meet in La Crosse last weekend, but the history-making senior is leaving with a smile on her face.

Keller, who became the first girl to win a state title in school history when she won the event last season — first by clearing a school-record 5 feet, 6 inches, then 5-5 in a tiebreaker — finished third this year by again leaping over the bar at 5-6.

The winner, Ella Anderson of Franklin, cleared 5-7.

“I can’t complain. I jumped my personal-best again and was clean throughout my jumps until 5-6 and had a very close attempt at 5-7, which was a bummer to miss,” Keller said, “but I still ended my season with an amazing performance. I’m happy with the results, regardless of falling short of first place.”

Keller qualified for state in the high jump all four years. She medaled the last two.

“She was calm and confident. She had been there before,” coach Joe Adamak said.

Keller is aware of her place in school history.

“Leaving Port as the first female champion means so much to me. I’m glad I could prove myself, and it’s just been so cool to have this achievement. My name on the record board and championship wall is the coolest to see,” she said.

But Keller got plenty more than records during her prep track and field career.

“The track program over the past years has been my favorite experience of high school and has been where I created lifelong memories and relationships with my friends,” she said. “The coaches have done so much for my during my career and I couldn’t be more grateful for this program that has helped me with all my success.”

Keller will jump at Division 1 Weber State in Ogden, Utah, next year. She plans to major in business.