Decided to combine the two into one post to finish off the week. Regional assignments are out and I’m doing some dirty work on how to rate courses/meets next year. I’ll also have a “best of the rest” list that I’ll post this weekend. Anyhow, enjoy!
- Arguably the best freshman in the state in 2017, followed that up by dropping his PR by 13 seconds this year
- Second straight year as an All-Stater, finishing in the top 5 this time
- PRs in all distance events in track, dropping 10+ seconds in each event
- 4th in D2 3200
5. Madelyn Frens, Grand Rapids Christian
- Picked up many firsts last year, most notably at Cougar Falcon and the Allendale regional
- Did not break 18, but very consistent, most performances above a 150 speed rating
- Runner-up in D2 3200, Regional champ in that event too
- 3rd straight year All-State
- Lowered PR from 15:40 to 15:08
- Another consistent runner, with performances all between 209-215
- Footlocker finalist, finishing 17th nationally
- PRs in all events from 400-3200
4. Audrey DaDamio, Birmingham Seaholm
- Lowered PR by nearly a minute, from 19:00 to 18:06
- Two exceptional races, 160+ ratings at Jackson and States
- Showed great range in track, from 2:16 to 10:32
- Medalled at both the 1600 and 3200 at the State Finals, Regional champ in both as well
- Lowered PR from 15:41 to 15:16
- Had one of the better performances of the season with his 218 at Oakland County on a stormy morning
- All-State for the second straight year
- Footlocker finalist, finishing 27th nationally
- PRs in everything 800-3200
- Finished 7th in the D1 3200
3. Zofia Dudek, Ann Arbor Pioneer
- Started her season in October, still ended up top 3 at States and Regional champ
- Ended up lowering PR from 18:13 to 17:54
- PRs in everything from 400-3200.
- 2nd in State finals in 1600/3200
- 5th New Balance Indoors in the mile
- Her 4:45 1600 ranks 10th nationally and 8th among all returners
2. Evan Bishop, East Grand Rapids
- Lowered PR from 16:03 to 15:25
- Notable wins at Jackson and the Allendale Regional
- Finished 2nd at D2 State Finals
- Footlocker finalist, finishing 9th nationally
- PRs in everything 400-5k
- All-State in both the 1600 and 3200
- Fastest returning 3200m runner in the state
2. Jaden Theis, Lansing Catholic
- Only lost once last year in Michigan (to Ackley at Spartan)
- Division 2 State champ
- Lowered PR from 17:19 to 17:07
- Footlocker finalist, finishing 6th nationally
- All-State in both the 1600 and 3200
- Lowered PR from 15:24 to 14:59
- Broke the 15 minute barrier twice, at Gabriel Richard and the Willow Regional
- 2nd at D1 State Finals
- Footlocker finalist, finishing 4th nationally
- PRs in 800-3200
- 4th place finish in the D1 1600
1. Abby VanderKooi, Muskegon WMC
- Came on the scene with a blazing 17:05 and then proceeded to break the 17 minute barrier 3 times
- Undefeated in Michigan
- D4 State Champ
- Footlocker finalist, finishing 3rd nationally
- D3 State Champ in 3200m
- 10:04 ran indoors was 3rd best in the nation (if ran outdoors, it would be 5th)
4 thoughts on “Boys & Girls Returners: The Top 5”