Wildcats' Willow Ray Striving For Gold This Year In High Jump

West Central Valley junior looking to improve on state runner-up finish in 2025

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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West Central Valley junior Willow Ray is looking to build on her strong sophomore year in track and field, especially in the high jump event. After advancing to the state wrestling tournament for the second consecutive year, Ray is now focused solely on the upcoming track season, where she finished second in the high jump last year and is aiming for the gold medal this time around.

Why it matters

Ray's success in the high jump could help boost the West Central Valley girls track team, which is looking to have a strong season after a runner-up finish at the state meet last year. Her ability to excel in both wrestling and track demonstrates her well-rounded athletic talents.

The details

Ray came in second to Emmetsburg's Rachel Schany in the high jump last year, clearing five feet and four inches. She is using that performance as motivation to go higher this season, with the goal of winning the state title. In addition to the high jump, Ray plans to focus on improving her times in the open 200 meter dash and 100 meters.

  • Ray just concluded her wrestling season, where she advanced to the state tournament for the second consecutive year.
  • The first meet for the West Central Valley Girls Team will be on March 10th in Cedar Falls for the Dickinson Relays.

The players

Willow Ray

A junior at West Central Valley High School who is a standout in both wrestling and track and field, particularly in the high jump event.

Rachel Schany

A high jumper from Emmetsburg High School who defeated Ray for the state title last year.

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What they’re saying

“Getting that runner-up at state, it upset me a little bit, but also it's a great opportunity. I'm hoping to go for the gold this year and I'm also going to have fun with it and not take it too seriously, because being upset while doing anything ruins me being able to do it well.”

— Willow Ray (raccoonvalleyradio.com)

What’s next

The first meet for the West Central Valley Girls Team will be on March 10th in Cedar Falls for the Dickinson Relays, where Ray will have a chance to showcase her high jump skills early in the season.

The takeaway

Willow Ray's determination to improve on her state runner-up finish in the high jump last year, combined with her ability to excel in multiple sports, makes her a promising young athlete to watch for West Central Valley High School this track and field season.