HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: MFL MarMac's Dotzler set for big state return

By Lindsey Liddiard, MFL MarMac freshman

MONONA - MFL MarMac senior Jacob Dotzler is making another trip to the state. This time, he's not dribbling a basketball, but running his heart out around the track.

“It's really exciting," Dotzler said when asked about going to state in two sports. "I feel humble. It's a great oppurtunity to go for two sports. Most people don't even get to go for one.”

This is not his first trip to state track. Last year, he ran in the 800-meter run and was part of a 3,200 relay with former MFL MarMac students Chris Doeppke and Trevor Hoth, and his brother Jared. The 3,200 team placed 22nd and Dotzler was 21st in the 800.

This year, Dotzler is returning to state in the 800 and the open 400 dash. His qualifying time in the 400 was a personal best at 51.3 seconds. His qualifying time for the open 800 wasn't his fastest, but fast enough to get him to state.

“My times have improved from last year a lot by getting stronger, working hard in the off season (lifting weights) and not being injured with a stress fracture,” Dotzler said.

Dotzler has been running the 800 since his freshman year.

"My time has changed about 6 seconds,” he said.

His fastest time his freshman year was 2 minutes, 5 seconds. His fastest time now is 1:59.

His goal for the state track is to get a medal. He ranks in the top five in Class 3A.

“When I am running I don't really get too nervous," he said. "I get excited because I want to run my best time and that gets me excited. Once the race is over, it feels like a relief after running that fast.”