Don Richards

Humorist Timothy Leary once said, "Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition." The subject of this column definitely does not lack ambition. Her coach, Andy Eggerth, Director of Cross Country/Track and Field at UWRF, said "From the first time I stepped on campus, Lexi LeFever has been one of the most engaging student/athletes I've known."

He continued: "A lot of people think that an athlete like Lexi is successful therefore she is committed, but it's really the opposite. Those that are truly committed are the ones that find success (however that may be measured). It's not just showing up to all required practices. Lexi also does the summer lifting and winter break training; and she encourages others to join her, which develops a great team culture of passion for excellence." That is not a description of someone lacking ambition.

Her athletic experience began at Hudson High School as a participant in tennis, basketball and track. She credits her high school T & F coaches with having a "huge influence on me" which continues today. She won multiple awards at Hudson High.and holds school records in the 200-meter dash, 4x1 relay and 4x4 relay that still stand today.

Post high school, Lexi first attended UW Eau Claire for a year and a half, then transferred to UWRF. In all, she visited eight colleges of all divisions. Her decision to transfer to UWRF she calls "one of the best decisions I have made."

She calls her athletic experience as a Falcon "amazing." Credit for her success she gives to all her coaches, trainers, athletic directors, and professors. She has earned All American status five times in long jump, pentathlon, and heptathlon events at UWRF; been a WIAC champion, indoor and outdoor, in the long jump and 200-meter dash; won All Region honors in multiple events and been named Track Performer of the Year in the 2021 indoor season.

She has been named the US Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Athlete of the Week two times in 2021 indoor competition, and has seven (four indoor, three outdoor) school records in multiple events, and holds nine of the top 10 performances in school history.

Weightlifting is "hugely" important for her success. "It translates right to the track. Coach Andy does a terrific job writing specific programs for us. A lot of high school athletes don't realize the importance of the weight room for your training, especially if you lift as hard as you run."

LeFever has one more outdoor season in which she hopes to gain All American honors in the long jump. But, she says, "I don't like to set goals for myself. I know whatever happens happens and I am just soaking up time with my wonderful coaches and teammates; if more records and trophies come along that's just an added benefit."

After graduating this coming Spring with a bachelor's degree (major in exercise sport science, minor in coaching), LeFever hopes to get a Graduate Assistant position where she can get her Master's degree in coaching. LeFever has River Falls connection as her mother is 1981 RFHS graduate and gymnast Teresa Brannigan and is the granddaughter of Bud (Bud's Lanes) & Marce Brannigan.

She will also be competing in a decathlon in August.

More comments by Coach Eggerth: "Lexi does a great job of leading by example. Whether that's helping people to stay on task during practice, or being the first to volunteer to work concessions, or do community service, and really anything we ask of the team, she's always one of the first to step up. While being super productive, she's also smiling, laughing and joking with friends and coaches, brightening the day of those around her." 

Coach Eggerth and his staff have improved the Falcon T & F program "immensely," she says. "I am so passionate about this program. All I wish for it is success."

Which reminds me that success in the future is what I was wishing for recently when I eagerly opened up a fortune cookie which read, "Your appeal is to a small group of confused people." Surely that does not pertain to the readers of this column. However, it definitely pertains to my coffee group.