Andy Onesti, Class of 1984, was one of Shawano Community High School’s premier distance runners, excelling in both cross-country and track and field. His dedication, consistency, and leadership helped elevate Shawano’s running programs to championship levels, while his school records left a lasting mark on the program’s history.
In cross-country, Andy competed for four years (1980–1983), beginning his career as part of the 1980 state-qualifying team that finished 16th at the WIAA State Cross-Country Meet and took
second in the conference.
As a sophomore, he helped lead Shawano to the Bay Conference
championship, followed by a runner-up finish in 1982 and a third-place finish in 1983. Andy’s individual accomplishments included earning All-Conference honors in both 1982 and 1983. As a senior, he served as team captain and was named the team’s Most Valuable Runner.
Andy’s track career was equally impressive. Competing from 1981 to 1984, he broke two school records in his senior season — the 800m (1:59.14) and the 1600m (4:20.44). His 800m record stood until 1990 and still ranks fourth all-time, while his 1600m record stood until 2000 and remains the second fastest in school history. In 1984, Andy qualified for the WIAA State Track Meet in both the 800m and 1600m, capping a career that also saw him named Most Improved Runner as both a junior and senior.
Beyond his athletic success, Andy was a well-rounded student who contributed to the school community in many ways. He was involved in French Club, FFA, the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Varsity Club. His leadership, sportsmanship, and academic achievements earned him the honor of being named Shawano’s 1984 Male Athlete of the Year. Andy Onesti’s name still appears prominently in the Shawano track and field record book, a
testament to his talent, work ethic, and competitive drive. His accomplishments on the course and the track make him a worthy inductee into the Shawano Community High School Athletic
Hall of Fame.
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