Athletes Celebrate ‘Coach Cael’

It was a lovely night on Friday, April 29. It was Senior Night at the varsity track meet, the Chris Selby Invitational. The first thing one noticed was that the New London track team had on unique T-shirts over their uniforms. A big pink heart on a white T-shirt was emblazoned with “I ‘love’ Cael Wilka” certainly catching the eye. This was a nod to Cael Wilka as the only senior on the team and the last member of the 2022 Class 1A state championship team.

On this special night, he had a performance that he won’t soon forget. He finished third in the discus with a throw of 123’ 9” and sixth in the shot put with 37-9. No one was surprised that these were both personal records.

As the only senior and elder statesman of the team, Cael has provided help to his younger teammates. Leading in his own way, he has worked with the younger throwers helping them to become more skilled.

Cael was introduced to the crowd along with his proud parents Ryan and Michelle Wilka. He said in his senior interview that he couldn’t wait for track season to start, and the send-off he received at the only New London HS track meet of the season was unforgettable.

Cael embraces his role as the lone senior and encourages the classes below him to not only love the sport but also be a part of it. It is no wonder Cael was T-shirt worthy.

The ad for the T-shirt was from Out Law Tees, located in New London and owned by Lance Ingwersen. Lance just happens to have been be the coach of the Tigers during their championship season. The ad said, “A fun idea turned reality! We love our ONE and ONLY 2025 Track & Field senior! Help show ‘Coach’ Cael some love,” and wow did the New London students respond. So here’s to you Coach Cael, and to the positive influence you have been! Way to go and as always… Tiger proud!