Climax-Scotts High School senior Gabe Walliczek (center), pictured next to assistant track coach Robert Pike (left) and C-S track coach Dave Lodes, has qualified in the discus to compete in the Adidas Track Nationals June 18-21 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
By Bruce Rolfe
Climax-Scotts High School graduate Gabe Walliczek, who finished his high school career on a high note as the Division 4 state champion in the discus, has an opportunity to secure some more noteworthy status at a national event.
Walliczek qualified for the Adidas Track Nationals June 18-21 in Greensboro, North Carolina in the discus competition with a throw of 175’4” at the Southwest Michigan Throwers Classic May 11 at Schoolcraft.
According to the Adidas Track Nationals website, the outdoor standard in the discus is 170’.
Walliczek has ascended as a top tier thrower in the state, something he is very proud of.
Walliczek, who owns the school record in the discus, recorded a throw of 170’9” at the state meet. His throw was the fourth best throw out of all four divisions at the May 30 MHSAA State Finals.
After throwing over 170 feet twice, the 2026 graduate said he would like to reach new heights at the Adidas Track Nationals.
“I would definitely like to improve on that. Maybe try to get into the 180s. That would be nice. I might have a chance of placing. That would be really nice to place at Nationals,” said Walliczek.
His coach, Dave Lodes, thought a top eight finish would get Walliczek a medal and All-American status.
Lodes said Walliczek has looked up prior results from the Adidas National Track meet and feels if the 2026 graduate can make a throw in the 170s like he has, he has a good chance of being All American.
“That’s what he’s going for. The medal is o.k., but to be an All American would be a big deal too,” said Lodes.
Currently, Walliczek is considering a career in 5-Axis CNC Milling, but would like to continue throwing. If he does enjoy a strong throw and is recruited, he wouldn’t rule out continuing his throwing ambitions at the collegiate level.
“If I were to get a Division Two offer with a good scholarship, I would definitely look into that. But it’s looking like I might do some unattached throwing at some college meets. I’m still looking to keep on throwing,” said the 2026 C-S graduate.
The Division 4 state champion said he’s looking forward to competing against other elite throwers.
“It’s definitely going to be a different environment. There’s going be a lot of people throwing the farther distances, so it’s definitely going to be fun,” said Walliczek.
Lodes said Walliczek’s success is a byproduct of hard work the 2026 graduate was willing to put in.
“The other day I sent him pictures and videos of him when he was a freshman throwing. We had to laugh at it a little bit. It was like night and day. The reason he’s got to where he is, is because of his work ethic, and he’s become a student of throwing. He’s online watching videos or watching other coaches,” explained Lodes, who said Walliczek has also developed positive relationships with other coaches in the area at Harper Creek and Athens, and one of the coaches will be going to the Adidas National Track event.
“He became a student of this, and learned how to do it. Was able to pick up stuff pretty fast,” continued Lodes.
The longtime Panther coach said throwing the discus is more complicated then what people may perceive when watching.
“There’s a lot of really fine timing stuff that’s the difference between, a snap of your fingers and you’re off. So the timing issue and stuff like that. He’s developed that. He experiments sometimes with different things. He now has a good feel for it. So now, we expect, when he goes out there and throws, that he’s going to throw well, and he has been pretty consistent this year,” continued Lodes.
Walliczek did have four fouls at the State Finals but he was able to enjoy a big throw as well to secure first place.
He enjoyed a lot of success his senior year after overcoming a serious health issue when he was a young boy.
He said when he was 3 years old he had a scratch on his chin that advanced to bruising and he became sick.
The C-S senior said he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and was told he had a 1% chance of surviving at the time. He’s been in remission for 15 years.
Walliczek’s results are expected to be posted on the Adidas Outdoor Nationals website at https://adidastfnationals.com/outdoor-meet-information.
Those interested can assist Walliczek with expenses associated with the competition by contacting C-S Coach Dave Lodes at 269-584-0022.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
