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

Racine high school athletes shine at the 2026 Wisconsin Indoor State Track & Field Championships.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:21am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the powerful, dynamic motion of a sprinter racing towards the finish line, capturing the energy and excitement of the state championships.Racine's rising track star Nicholas Payne Jr. shatters the school record, igniting excitement for the community's athletic future.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.

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 Payne Jr.'s record-breaking sprint highlighting the rising stars in the community and the potential for future success at the state level.