All the Way to State

In 1989, the Altoona High School boys basketball team began the season carrying the weight of unfinished business. The year before, high expectations had ended in disappointment. Now, a determined collection of scorers, role players, leaders, and glue guys had one more chance to prove what they could accomplish together. Guided by a skilled and meticulous head coach, they set their sights on the ultimate destination: the WIAA State Tournament. But All the Way to State is more than the story of a basketball team.It is the story of a small Wisconsin town swept up in the magic of an unforgettable season—when players, parents, coaches, cheerleaders, scorekeepers, pep-band members, and young fans shared every victory, setback, and heart-stopping moment. The emotions in the stands ran parallel to those on the court, uniting an entire community behind one remarkable journey. Decades later, the impact of that season still echoes through Altoona. This is the story of the team that made history, the community that carried them, and the memories that continue to inspire generations.