Finishing second in the state is a fancy feather in the cap for most runners. Not for Hinsdale Central’s Dan Watcke.
After winning the Class 3A state title in the 800-meter run as a sophomore, Watcke fell just short last year. Bolingbrook’s Brett Wasick edged him by less than a second at the state meet.
“I remember Brett crossing the line with his arms in the air,” Watcke said. “It really hurt to see him from behind.”
While Watcke was unsatisfied with second place during his junior year, Hinsdale Central coach James Westphal kept it in perspective. But he knows his star pupil well.
“I wouldn’t even call that a disappointment,” Westphal said. “There are kids who would kill to finish just all-state, let alone runner-up.”
Watcke, an Oregon recruit, pored over the race footage and spotted tactical errors that led to his runner-up finish.
“I got outraced on that day,” he said. “(About) 200 or 300 meters in, I popped out into lane three, and I couldn’t get back into lane one. So I then learned how to run the 800 the right way.”
Watcke’s studying paid off. During the state meet at Eastern Illinois in Charleston on May 27, he achieved his redemption, completing the 800 in 1:52.16 to win his second state title in three years.
“I really used (last year) as motivation for this year,” Watcke said. “I wanted to prove that I could win it again. Some people might have thought I couldn’t do it.”
Watcke improved his time at state and even beat Wasick’s 1:53.23 from last year. Westphal credits Watcke’s growth.
“He matured as an athlete, and it showed this season, especially last Saturday,” Westphal said. “It was a great finish to his career.
“This year, his approach and overall demeanor to everyday practice and racing improved. If he didn’t have a good race, it wasn’t the end of the world. That really showed up.”
Watcke also was part of the 3200 relay team that won the state title on May 27 and placed third at the 3A state meet in cross country in November.
Watcke will head to Oregon with the same sky-high expectations for himself.
“I want to be an All-American,” he said. “I think we can put together some national titles. We have arguably the best recruiting class in the country. I couldn’t logically think of going anywhere else.”
Westphal knows he’ll miss Watcke’s presence but that his loss is quite a gain for Oregon.
“They have a real find,” Westphal said. “I know they’re excited to get him. He’s also tenacious. From the time he was a freshman, he just competes. He always grinds it out.”
A Watcke running into record books is a familiar headline. Watcke’s older sister, Emma, won state championships at Minster in Ohio and came close at Hinsdale Central. She runs at Wisconsin.
“My sister has been a great influence on me,” Watcke said. “Just seeing her train, with all of the little details that made her the best, really helped me. She’s like, ‘Hey, you gotta eat well. You gotta sleep.’ Seeing her dealing with pressure while having fun with the sport was a great support system.”
Reflecting on his high school career, Watcke said he’s grateful his journey in the 800 followed the path it did.
“I think if I had won three years in a row, it wouldn’t have been the best going into college to never lose a race,” he said. “This experience has made me grow as a person.”
Sam Brief is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
