LA CROSSE – The Notre Dame Academy Tritons didn’t need a miracle to win the Division 2 boys state track and field championship — they just needed a little Hunt and a whole lot of Flanigan.
Behind a distance-double from senior Joseph Hunt and a dominant weekend in the throws from brothers James and Richie Flanigan, NDA captured the D2 boys state title in La Crosse, sealing their season of dominance.
It marks the first boys state track title since the Tritons were competing as the Premontre Cadets.
Joe Hunt came into the weekend with high expectations — and left with a gold medal around his neck and a state trophy in his hands.
The senior began his day in the 1,600-meter run, where he finished second in a time of 4:15.74, just two seconds behind the winner in one of the fastest Division 2 races of the weekend. Later that afternoon, Hunt returned for the, where he unleashed a tactical masterclass to claim state gold in 1:53.60, controlling the race from the gun to secure a crucial 10 points for NDA.
“I get emotional every time I talk about him,” said Tritons head coach John Gard, “I have never been around a more special young man in my life, he has given me every ounce of dedication and commitment.”
Hunt’s dedication and 18 points proved pivotal in the team standings, keeping the Tritons ahead of the rest of the D2 field when it mattered most.
If Hunt led the charge on the track, the Flanigan brothers owned the field.
Senior James Flanigan, one of the most powerful 3 sport athletes in the state, delivered on his top billing with victories in both the shot put and discus. His throws — 59 feet, 7 inches in shot and throw of 188 feet, 5 inches on his first attempt in discus were untouchable, earning NDA 20 critical points.
“I try not to get too out of control to get a good mark on the first one, but then I was kind of surprised my first throw was that good, I was chasing like a 200-bomb but didn’t end up getting it,” said James speaking about his amazing discus performance, “I was just happy to win.”
What made the performance even more meaningful? James wasn’t just throwing for himself — he was continuing a family tradition. His father, coach and state record holder in shot put as well as his grandfather were both throwers, and their teachings and support helped shape his journey to the top of the podium.
Meanwhile, his younger brother Richie Flanigan, a sophomore, quietly chipped in valuable points of his own. Richie placed fourth in the shot put (55-5.00) and eighth in the discus (157-7), adding six total points to the team total — and helping the Tritons stay ahead in a tight team race.
“Ritchie Flanagan is our secret weapon, I said he’s our MVP because he was such a difference maker,” said Gard.
“We have gotten really close throughout his time in high school, to have success in track it’s really special to share it with my whole family” said James speaking about his time with his brother.
Together, the Flanigan brothers combined for 26 points, bringing both power and legacy to NDA’s title run.
In the end, it was a true team effort: Hunt’s brilliance on the track, James’s gold-medal dominance, Richie’s sneaky attack— all coming together to write Triton history.
“It’s a great way for Joe Hunt and James Flanigan to graduate, they have been such a heart and soul of the whole program,” said Gard, “I’m just so happy they could both win an individual state title and help us win a team title.”
As the team gathered to raise the championship trophy, the mix of exhaustion and pride was obvious, a reflection of not just the meet, but the season. From first throws to final strides, the Tritons showed what it takes to win it all.
And now, with medals around their necks and their name etched in the record books, Notre Dame Academy can officially call itself a state champion.
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