Racine Freshman Payne Jr. Breaks School Record in 60m at State Championships

Racine athletes shine at the 2026 Wisconsin Indoor State Track & Field Championships, led by Nicholas Payne Jr.'s record-breaking sprint performance.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:21pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the explosive speed and raw athletic energy of a high school sprinter mid-race, with their form dissolving into a blur of movement.A young sprinter's record-breaking performance ignites the energy and excitement of the indoor state championships.Racine Today

At the 2026 Wisconsin Indoor State Track & Field Championships, Racine high school athletes from Case, Horlick, and Lutheran delivered strong performances across multiple events. Freshman Nicholas Payne Jr. of Racine Case broke the school record in the 60-meter dash, running a blazing 7.01 seconds in the prelims and cementing his status as one of the fastest young sprinters in the state. Other Racine athletes, including Johnny Mathews, London Hadley, and Jeremiah Jones, also had standout showings in their respective events.

Why it matters

The impressive performances by Racine athletes at the state indoor championships showcase the depth and talent of the local track and field programs. Payne Jr.'s record-breaking sprint showcases the rising stars in the Racine community and the potential for future success at the state level.

The details

Competing against top talent from across Wisconsin, Racine athletes delivered a strong team effort at the 2026 state indoor championships. Freshman Nicholas Payne Jr. of Racine Case broke the school record in the 60-meter dash, running a blazing 7.01 seconds in the prelims and following it up with a 7.03 in the semifinals before finishing 7th overall in the finals. Teammate Johnny Mathews also had a standout performance in the long jump, earning a top-four finish. Other Racine athletes contributing points included London Hadley in the shot put, the 4x200m relay team from Case, and distance runners Morgan Hanson and Cameron Jones.

  • Payne Jr. ran a 7.01-second 60m in the prelims, breaking the Racine Case school record.
  • Payne Jr. ran a 7.03-second 60m in the semifinals, setting another personal best.
  • Payne Jr. finished 7th overall in the 60m finals with a time of 7.17 seconds.

The players

Nicholas Payne Jr.

A freshman at Racine Case High School who broke the school record in the 60-meter dash at the 2026 Wisconsin Indoor State Track & Field Championships.

Johnny Mathews

A teammate of Payne Jr. at Racine Case High School who had a strong showing in the long jump, earning a top-four finish.

London Hadley

A Racine Case athlete who recorded a personal best throw of 49 feet, 11.5 inches in the shot put, placing eighth overall.

Jeremiah Jones

A senior at Racine Horlick High School who posted a season-best time of 53.13 in the boys 400-meter event.

Morgan Hanson

A Racine Horlick athlete who competed in the 1600-meter event, finishing in 4:48.97.

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What they’re saying

“Payne Jr. broke the Racine Case school record in the 60-meter dash, setting a new mark and confirming his status as one of the fastest young sprinters in Wisconsin.”

— Nick Payne, Reporter

What’s next

Payne Jr. and the other Racine athletes will look to build on their strong indoor performances as they transition to the outdoor track and field season, where they will have the opportunity to compete against the best talent in the state and potentially qualify for national competitions.

The takeaway

The impressive performances by Racine athletes at the state indoor championships showcase the depth and talent of the local track and field programs, with rising stars like Nicholas Payne Jr. leading the way. This success highlights the potential for Racine to continue producing top-tier track and field talent in the years to come.