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By, Kallen Barker
Reedsburg is full of leaders, in sports, school, and their community. From the start of a young age, stories and moments in time are shared creating the pillars of our identity. For many scholars at RAHS it all started for the love of the game. Whether it be baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, golf, football, cross country, track, tennis, basketball, hockey, gymnastics or wrestling, you'll see some of the best highlighted here on the athletes spotlight.
Jack Meyer, a junior at RAHS, is a dedicated student-athlete involved in Student Council, NHS, and Tennis. A varsity starter since his freshman year, Jack reached a major milestone last season by qualifying for the State tournament and advancing to the second round. Now, he’s working harder than ever to build on that success.
Jack Meyer
Q: What is your name, grade, and which sport(s) do you play?
A: Jack Meyer, Junior, Boys Tennis.
Q: What drew you to tennis, and what has kept you committed throughout high school?
A: I started playing in 7th grade, which is relatively late to start a sport. I had played baseball until then but realized I didn’t truly love the game. I decided to try a recreational summer tennis program and instantly fell in love with it. Since then, I’ve taken individual lessons with multiple coaches and competed in many tournaments to sharpen my game. I find so much joy in the sport; the effort I’ve invested is what keeps me so committed to it.
Q: What is your favorite memory of playing for RAHS?
A: My favorite memory was during my sophomore season last year. I made it to sectionals to face an opponent I had lost to in the conference finals only two weeks prior. After losing the first set 2-6, I battled back to win 2-6, 6-0 (11-9), achieving my goal of qualifying for State.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: I definitely want to continue my education. Right now, I’m looking for a smaller in-state school where I can join the tennis team and continue competing at a high level.
Q: What are your academic and career goals for college?
A: I’m not set on a specific school yet, but I want to pursue a career in data and statistics analysis, specifically working with sports statistics.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
A: Confidence has been my biggest hurdle during my first two years. Playing at the "Number 1 Singles" spot, I am often years younger than my opponents. It’s easy to feel intimidated by an older, stronger player across the net. I’ve had to remind myself that I have the skills and deserve to be there. As I’ve gained experience, I’ve transitioned into a veteran role. Now, I try to be the same calming presence for younger players that my older teammates were for me.
Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically for a match? Do you have any rituals?
A: Before every match, I put on my headphones, listen to positive music, and run through a visualization routine. If it’s an opponent I’ve played before, I focus on my past successes against them. If they are unknown, I visualize the things I can control, like my body language and footwork.
Q: How do you find the drive to keep going during "low points" or after a loss?
A: After a tough loss, I like to take a day or two off to rest and reflect. That time away always reminds me how much I love the sport. I usually come back with even more motivation to work harder and improve.
Q: How do you balance athletics and academics?
A: It is definitely a challenge to maintain high grades while performing well on the court. My busiest season starts in the spring, as sectionals and State often overlap with finals and AP exams. While I can’t always achieve a perfect balance, I succeed by focusing entirely on the most immediate task. If there’s a big match, I shut off my "school brain" to focus on the win. If there’s a major test, I’ll ease off the tennis research to prioritize studying.
Q: How has being an RAHS athlete shaped the person you are today?
A: I was very quiet and nervous when I started high school tennis. Being an athlete here has boosted my confidence immensely. In singles, it’s just you and your mental strength against your opponent. You are put in many difficult situations, and tennis has shown me how to handle myself and perform under pressure. It has also allowed me to grow into a leader for my less experienced teammates.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes in the program?
A: Trust in your game and lean into your strengths. Lift yourself and your teammates up with positive talk, and take the time you need to play "smart" tennis. On your bad days, it’s okay to feel frustrated, but don’t be too critical of yourself or your team.
This week’s spotlight is on Victor Martinez-Villegas, a senior at RAHS. Victor is a standout leader in both Cross Country and Track & Field. He holds notable records in the 1600m and 3200m and is among the top performers in Reedsburg program history, boasting a 2024 Cross Country season-best time of 16:48.6.
Victor Martinez-Villegas
Q: What first drew you to running, and what has kept you motivated throughout high school?
A: I started running when I was six years old because of my sister. My family was living in Puerto Rico at the time, and my sister—who was nine—was part of a Track & Field club named “Cupey Track.” I looked at her as a hero, and as soon as I was old enough, I started running too. I’m still running today because it has been with me my whole life; it is simply a part of who I am.
Q: What are your favorite memories of competing for the Beavers?
A: I have two that really stand out. The first was qualifying for the Cross Country State Meet during my junior year. The amount of support I received was incredible, and the moment itself was a beautiful way to end that season.
However, I also cherish my senior year. We moved from Division 2 to Division 1, entering the hardest sectional competition we’ve faced. It was cold and windy, and our chances didn’t look great. I remember staying back at the start of the race with a plan to slowly pass runners one by one—and I did. I ran a personal best, and even though I didn’t qualify for State and our team finished in the bottom half of the rankings, I still remember how happy we were. We knew we ran a great race. It was my last high school cross country meet, and it’s one I won't forget.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced in your athletic career?
A: The biggest challenge was realizing I couldn’t do everything. There were so many things I wanted to pursue in high school, but I had to learn to let some things go to embrace others. For example, I never would have succeeded in Cross Country if I hadn’t made the difficult choice to let go of soccer.
Q: How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for a big meet?
A: As a Christian, I always pray and put my trust in God. I show up to the line knowing that I have put in the work and that I am ready. Putting my faith in God helps me not to crumble when the pressure is heavy. Because I believe God doesn’t change, I don’t have to worry. I stay consistent and keep doing what’s right, knowing that one day it will work out.
Q: How do you balance the demands of high-level athletics with your academics?
A: To be honest, it’s a struggle to balance everything. I don’t think there’s a perfect formula. I just try not to leave anything behind during the day. I do a little of everything and try to grow in each area—athletically and academically—symmetrically.
Q: In what ways has being an RAHS athlete shaped the person you are today?
A: I’ve become more consistent, more of a leader, and more reliable. I am definitely stronger now, both physically and mentally.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Right now, I am planning to attend UW-Stout to major in Computer Science. They have a very strong CS program, and my goal is to build my career path there. I’m not sure yet if I will run in college, but it’s definitely a possibility.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes just starting out in the program?
A: Prepare consistently for every meet and every season. No goal is out of reach unless you allow it to be. Keep going and never allow yourself to get complacent.
Kane Kennedy is an extraordinary student here at RAHS. Being a part of NHS for the past 2 years, sharing his leadership roles in and out of class. Even though he is a senior, he won't be leaving school anytime soon. He is enrolled in Viterbo University where he is signed to play baseball next school year. Kane is majoring in social studies education, and taking what he learns to change the world one child at a time.
Kane Kennedy
Q: What is your name, grade, and sport(s) you are in?
A: My name is Kane Kennedy. I'm a senior and play baseball.
Q: What made you start the sport you are in, and what made you stick with it through your high school career?
A: I simply started baseball because it was a more common sport and something I could get involved in at a younger age. I've stuck baseball out through high school because this game means a lot to me. There is nothing I enjoy more than playing baseball. With that I get to be around great teammates, learn valuable lessons, and create memories.
Q: What has your favorite memory(s) been playing for RAHS?
A: My most favorite memory was definitely when we clinched a conference championship for the third year in a row in a comeback win against McFarland. I had one of my best pitching appearances and getting to be in that moment is something I will never forget.
Q: What are your plans for after high school?
A: After High School I will attend Viterbo University to major in Social Studies Education. While attending Viterbo I will also be a part of the baseball team.
Q: If you are going to post secondary schooling what made you want to go there, and what goals do you have while being there?
A: Viterbo gave me lots of good reasons to end up going there. Their education program is great and I know of people who went through their education program. For baseball, the coaches are awesome. I feel they will definitely have great positive impacts on my journey. On top of that I was able to talk to a player on the team and he had all good things to say about Viterbo. Goals wise, I want to of course do great academically. Becoming a teacher is something I really am passionate about and it's something I will work hard to achieve. For baseball goals, as a freshman I want to start to build good connections with teammates and possibly throw some innings my first year as well.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
A: The biggest challenge I ever faced was simply mental wellness.Which to some may not seem that serious but in a game like baseball mentality is a large chunk of it. I overcame these challenges simply by continuing to remind myself why I play baseball. As well as understanding that baseball is a game of failure and the only way to get past that is to keep a tough mentality. Which is something I will always continue working on and improving.
Q: How did you mentally and physically prepare for a game or match? Any pre game rituals or superstitions?
A: I'm a big music guy, so mentally before games I just zone out from others and listen to music. Physically before every game I take stretching seriously especially as a pitcher. Keeping my arm loose and healthy is very important. The only sort of superstition I have is when listening to music before games, I always finish by listening to the exact same two songs before every game. Would?-Alice in Chains and Shot in the Dark-Ozzy Osbourne.
Q: How did you find the drive when in the low times and losses of your career?
A: One approach I used was reconnecting with your purpose. Ask yourself "why do I play this sport?" Remind yourself of what truly matters beyond the current challenges. Another thing I did was get better at accepting failure. Baseball is a game of failure for instance, so when in a rough patch I would remind myself that there will be times I fail a lot. Creating that acceptance can make you even stronger as an athlete.
Q: How do you balance athletics and academics?
A: Balancing both can be tough especially while in season. The best way to balance both is to of course stay on top of work when in class, but when you know you will be gone for a game or something, staying in contact with teachers makes it a whole lot easier to stay caught up. They will work with you to make sure you can stay on top of things.
Q: In what ways has being an athlete at RAHS helped make you the person you are today?
A: Being an athlete here has taught me things like discipline. Time management, dealing with school and sports. Many things are learned by being a part of a team. Such as communication, cooperation, and other things that make teams successful. And lastly, resilience, learning to deal with both winning and losing.
Q: If you could give any advice to younger athletes in the program what would it be?
A: Be a great teammate, help teammates out, be supportive, and try to lead an environment where everyone can strive for success.
Masina Reuter is part of the graduating class of 2026 and a true scholar here at RAHS. With a GPA above a 3.5, she has earned a spot on NHS. Here she shines her outgoing and kind personality in her community on and off the court. She'll take her talents to UW Parkside this fall to continue her volleyball journey and to begin her studies in buisness management.
Masina Reuter
Q: What is your name, grade, and sport(s) you are in?
A: My name is Masina, I’m a senior, and I am in volleyball and track.
Q: What made you start the sport you are in, and what made you stick with it through your high school career?
A: My mom was the varsity coach at the town we lived in at the time, and I got to watch during the practices. I couldn't wait to start and my mom signed me up for club volleyball that year. I've continued to play throughout high school because the sport has always been a big part of my life and I truly love it!
Q: What has your favorite memory(s) been playing for RAHS?
A: My favorite memories were pregame hype up songs in the locker room and sweeping Sauk my sophomore year.
Q: What are your plans for after high school?
A:After high school, I am going to continue my academic and athletic career by playing volleyball at UW-Parkside. I plan to major in Business Management with a Finance Concentration.
Q: If you are going to post secondary schooling what made you want to go there, and what goals do you have while being there?
A:I chose UW Parkside primarily because they have my major and I felt very connected to the coaches and team. I was also able to speak with some of the professors there and they seemed very willing to work with athletes who would be missing classes due to games. My goals are to graduate on time and leave the volleyball program stronger than when I first arrived.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
A:I believe that my greatest challenge in athletics has been comparing myself to others. This challenge I doubt I will ever completely overcome, but I have taken action to minimize my overthinking. I only compare myself to athletes I feel would be a good role model for me. This has helped me because I can learn from these people instead of investing my time in comparing myself to athletes who aren't worth the comparison and who I wouldn't want to be like.
Q: How did you mentally and physically prepare for a game or match? Any pre game rituals or superstitions?
A:I would hang out with my team and one of my teammates would do my hair (look good, play good!), and then I would eat my Subway sandwich, my double chocolate chip cookie, and drink my Lit Tea from Step by Step while watching JV or JV2. Yes, I did this almost every game. Once we went into the locker room, I would get my uniform out and then carry out our pregame rituals. We prayed in the shower, and then we would dance to our hype up songs. As soon as our last hype up song was done, I always felt ready.
Q: How did you find the drive when in the low times and losses of your career?
A: I had many lows and losses throughout my career, and I think that the biggest part of persevering is remembering why you're there in the first place. For me, I thought about the little me who just started playing, and how much she truly loved the game. She worked so hard to get me where I was that I could never give up on her dream.
Q: How do you balance athletics and academics?
A: If I'm being honest, it is much easier to balance my academics during school season compared to club season. Club season was November-July and I would be leaving my house at 5pm and getting home at 11. I had to utilize my work time in class and my study halls in order to get things done. It was sometimes a challenge, but honestly, I found it pretty manageable the majority of the time.
Q: In what ways has being an athlete at RAHS helped make you the person you are today?
A:Being an athlete at RAHS has shaped me into who I am today because I have learned so much about leadership, dedication, responsibility, and accountability. Throughout my four years I have been challenged in all these aspects, and because of it I have come out a better person.
Q: If you could give any advice to younger athletes in the program what would it be?
A: Success does not come from being perfect 24/7 it comes from learning from your mistakes!
Luke Verch is one of our ace pichers here at RAHS. Part of the graduating class of 2026 he has a cannon of an arm, throwing 87mph off the mound. Standing like a giant with a height of 6'4 and weighing in at 240, he knows how to use every inch to blow it by any opponent he faces. Today, we asked Luke a little bit about how he has gotten the success he has had along with what he plans to do in the feature.
Luke Verch
Q: What is your name, grade, and sport(s) you are in?
A: Luke Verch, and I play baseball.
Q: What made you start the sport you are in, and what made you stick with it through your high school career?
A: I've always been playing baseball since I can remember. Watching my favorite players play the game really grew my love for the game throughout my childhood. The reason I have stuck with it is because of my love for the game and also the opportunity to compete each and every game. It also gives you a sense of pride when you see your hard work pay off.
Q: What has your favorite memory(s) been playing for RAHS?
A: My favorite memories playing baseball at RAHS would have to be the playoff run we made last year making it to state. I really enjoyed being able to compete with some of my best friends and being able to play at the biggest stage you possibly can for high school which is state.
Q: What are your plans for after high school?
A: I plan to attend Upper Iowa University to study Agricultural Business and play baseball.
Q: If you are going to post secondary schooling what made you want to go there, and what goals do you have while being there?
A: I want to continue my education so I can end up helping farmers because I have a lot of respect for what they do. Being able to play baseball as well is very exciting because I get to play the sport I love for four more years. My biggest goal would be to learn as much as I can and become as good at baseball as I can possibly be.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
A: When I was younger I had multiple heart surgeries due to having supraventricular tachycardia. It has really shown me not to take anything for granted and to work hard at the things I enjoy. I wouldn't say it necessarily is a challenge but it has really given me the opportunity to be grateful for the position I am in right now.
Q: How did you mentally and physically prepare for a game or match? Any pre game rituals or superstitions?
A: I prepare physically for games by making sure I get a good stretch in before playing to make sure I am nice and loose. Mentally I prepare by just trying to get in the zone. I usually think about what I will do in different situations in the game, giving me the best opportunity to succeed. I don't have any superstitions but for rituals I always say a prayer before the game.
Q: How did you find the drive when in the low times and losses of your career?
A: When things might not be going great I always try to think about how proud the little me would be of the position I am in right now. In the times that you lose I think it is important to reflect on what happened and use it as motivation to continue to get better in the future. Just because you lose doesn't mean you can't find ways to become better from it.
Q: How do you balance athletics and academics?
A: Well senior year has made it pretty easy to do with only having a couple classes. In the past I have found it best to try and get as much work done in class as possible and then use your study halls wisely.
Q: In what ways has being an athlete at RAHS helped make you the person you are today?
A: Being an athlete at RAHS has helped me learn a lot about working as a team to accomplish a common goal. Playing sports has taught me a lot about hard work as well. Nothing comes easy but if you put the work in you can definitely see results.
Q: If you could give any advice to younger athletes in the program what would it be?
A: My advice would be to work hard and be willing to put time in outside of practices. If you put in the extra work it will definitely help you achieve your goals. No matter if you win or lose, keep your head down and keep working hard.
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