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LA CROSSE, Wisconsin — There’s a statue of an eagle in front of Veterans Memorial Stadium.There were a pair of Redbirds flying high inside of it Friday.De Pere sophomores Kylie Swiekatowski and Shae Opichka both reached the podium in the WIAA Division 1 girls pole vault at the state track and field meet.After placing third as a freshman, Swiekatowski won the event by clearing 12 feet, 3 inches on her first attempt. Opichka, who was the top seed entering her first state meet, made 11-6 to place fourth.Since the duo had exchanged the school record five times this season, it was only fitting they ended the season by exchanging a hug.“We knew we were going to push each other,” Swiekatowski said, “and hopefully one of us was going to come out on top.” Since the duo had exchanged the school ecord five times this season, it was only fitting they ended the season by exchanging a hug.“We knew we were going to push each other,” Swiekatowski said, “and hopefully one of us was going to come out on top.” more
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