In Molly Seidel’s post-race interview last night, she mentioned that she stuck her nose where it didn’t belong, and that’s what I see in Lani, dauntless in her pursuit of greatness
After her sophomore year of XC, she wasn’t supposed to be here – she was a good runner, but state title winning, probably not
But she found a rhythm in training that led to an extraordinary leap in her performances
In that sophomore track campaign, she won an indoor State title, broke 10:30, and even went under 60 in the quarter
She carried that into cross, with multiple sub-18 performances, Regional and TVC titles
And then doubled down on that outstanding track campaign, breaking Ithaca records, winning state titles, and competing at the national stage in Eugene
Her MIS performances haven’t gone her way, but there isn’t anyone better suited to face adversity from the past
Last thing, take a look at that range – this girl can do it ALL
I love that we’ve come to a time in Michigan distance running that a sub-9 returner is unheralded, but here we are
Caleb has been a part of a Pinckney squad that’s steadily been reloading and is primed for championship-level success in November
He came into his own with that patented sophomore leap, breaking 16:00 for the first time at Portage in 2019
Pinckney moved down to Division 2 last fall, and Caleb was able to forcefully make himself known there, finishing 2nd at MIS
His track season is a large reason why he’s here, especially New Balance and State
That 3200 was one with the usual suspects – Jones, Hough, Walker, Kessler, and it would’ve been easy to hang off that pack and let them go, but he stuck his nose in there as well, and we’re all grateful for the result
The State Meet showed his mental resolve, many didn’t triple, and those that did, many didn’t have the races they wanted
Caleb was All-State in three events, and I have to imagine the confidence from sticking in there late into his 16 laps that day will benefit him in the final 1000m at MIS
Michigan XC Speed Ratings 
2 thoughts on “50 Tickets to Brooklyn: #3”