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Arrowhead, Madison Edgewood, and La Crosse Aquinas have won their respective divisions of the 2008-09 WSN Cup.  The WSN Cup is in it's second year, recognizing schools' outstanding all-around achievements in multiple sports, both boys and girls. 



For a breakdown of the Rules & Scoring System, visit here.  Full Standings can be found here.





Large Schools Division



Arrowhead jumped out to an early lead in the fall and never looked back.  Also the winners of the inaugural WSN Cup last year, the Warhawks scored the most points in the fall, winter, and spring to complete a dominating all-sports performance this year.  Their total of 857 points easily out-distanced second place Middleton's 596.64.



Arrowhead posted state titles in boys hockey, girls swimming, gymnastics, boys track, and boys golf while also picking up a runner-up finish in football.  All told, 10 teams or individuals took home either a state championship or runner-up finish.  Arrowhead sponsors teams in all 23 sports recognized by the WIAA.



I asked Arrowhead Athletic Director Kevin Flegner what allowed his school's teams to be so successful this year.  "First you have to look at our coaching staff, who work incredibly hard and are dedicated to their sports," Flegner said.  "Also, our athletes are very committed, including during the off-season.  Their goal is to be successful," he added.



That success has a snow-ball effect.  "We have tradition here.  Each and every year the new seniors work to pass down that legacy."



So how would Flegner sum up such an impressive sports season?  "Tremendous is the first word that comes to my mind.  It is exciting for our school and for the community.  We have a very supportive community who gets behind their teams, which is great to see."



Middleton finished a respectable second in the Large School Division, while Homestead, Milwaukee Marquette, and Madison Memorial rounded out the Top Five.



Medium Schools Division



This was the first year for a separate Medium Schools Division, and Madison Edgewood completed an outstanding comeback to edge Catholic Memorial for the title.  The Crusaders from Edgewood trailed the Crusaders from Catholic Memorial heading into the spring sports season, but posted an impressive 380 points to overtake the lead.  Those 380 points represents state titles in boys golf, baseball, and girls soccer plus a runner-up finish in boys tennis.  It is also the highest single sport season total from any team in any division this year.



Overall, Edgewood won 10 conference titles, 4 state titles, and the one state runner-up finish.  According to Athletic Director Chris Zwettler, 59% of their student-athletes participated in a sectional final or state tournament game, while 31% participated in at least a state semi-final.



"To achieve that kind of success you need good people on board," Zwettler said.  "We have quality coaches, kids, and parents, and without those things it wouldn't be possible.



"It doesn't hurt to be a little lucky and stay healthy either."



As mentioned, Catholic Memorial made a very strong showing to come in in second place, while Notre Dame, Monroe, and West Salem rounded out the Top Five.



Small Schools Division



"Slow and steady wins the race" seemed to be the mantra for La Crosse Aquinas this year in the race for the WSN Cup.  Despite not winning a state title in any team sport, the Blugolds made solid finishes in a number of sports while racking up good numbers in all three sports seasons.  The boys basketball team took home a silver ball to highlight Aquinas' impressive season.  This is the second straight Small Schools WSN Cup win for Aquinas.



"It's really a result of a combination of terrific coaches who have been around a while and kids who do the things they need to to get ready," said Aquinas Athletic Director Ted Knutson.  He added, "I think playing in the larger Mississippi Valley Conference prepares us for a high level of competition once we enter the playoffs."  Knutson pointed out that despite the Blugolds overall success, they only won two conference championships.



So did the teams feel any pressure coming off such a successful sports campaign the year before?  "Expectations were high, as we did graduate a dynamite senior class.  However, this year's seniors really stepped up and provided great leadership," Knutson said.  "This award is something the kids track and pay attention to, so it's great to be able to win it two years in a row."



Xavier, Burlington Catholic Central, Edgar, and Roncalli rounded out the Top Five.



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Congratulations to the winners and a great job by all the teams during an outstanding and exciting 2008-09 sports season.  Look for the WSN Cup to appear in the winning school's trophy cases this fall.