LETTER: Thanks to Stroebel, boy from Ghana could run for state title

To Ozaukee Press:

As head coach of the Campbellsport boys track team, I’ve had the privilege of working with some exceptional student athletes and some even better people. One of those kids is Josh Onwunili.

Last spring, before the postseason began, the WIAA informed us that Josh

would not be allowed to compete in the state championship track meet because

of a technicality in the transfer rule. Josh and his parents had spent the last two years in Ghana serving others through their mission work. Josh came back to Campbellsport for his senior year, but his dad had visa issues that prevented him from returning home.

Josh wanted to come back and compete for a state championship and finish his senior year on a high note. The WIAA’s ruling took that opportunity away from him.

Fortunately, state Sen. Duey Stroebel stepped up and brought attention to this issue. He penned a letter to the WIAA encouraging them to reverse this decision. The letter received statewide and even national attention and ultimately led to the WIAA reversing their decision.

Because of this, Josh finished his high school track career as a state champion.

It’s encouraging to know that we have people like Sen. Stroebel in Madison who are committed to helping their constituents.

Derek Toshner

Fond du Lac