Micah is a dead ringer for former Hansons athlete and NCAA D3 legend Ian La Mere
Somewhat the hair, somewhat being a boss at anything endurance related, somewhat being a tough as nails racer, but all in all, being unabashedly themselves
Micah will do anything to get better: paddleboard, bike, walk, run more than anyone else, and it shows on the cross course and even into this summer
As a sophomore, during his initial foray into the high school scene, that attitude resulted in a progression towards a mid-16 5k and spot on Traverse City Central’s perennially loaded varsity squad
This past fall, multiple run-ins with that 16:00 barrier, finally breaking through with an All-State certificate and 15:59 in early November
This past week, at the Cherry Festival 5k, a 15:21, a mark that makes one wonder if more improvement is in store
Whatever happens this fall, keep being you, Micah, you inspire many
Grade
Name
Time
Rating
Meet
Date
Course
11
Micah Bauer
16:07.4
199.9
Pete Moss
Benzie Central HS
28-Aug
11
Micah Bauer
16:43.9
193.4
Spartan
Forest Akers
17-Sep
11
Micah Bauer
16:22.3
195.2
Jackson
Sharp Park
25-Sep
11
Micah Bauer
16:00.3
198.9
Bluejay
Shepherd HS
2-Oct
11
Micah Bauer
16:34.4
196.2
Big North Conference
Petoskey MS
19-Oct
11
Micah Bauer
16:05.8
191.7
Northern Michigan
Michaywe Pines GC
23-Oct
11
Micah Bauer
17:23.5
189.2
2 Delta
Delta College
30-Oct
11
Micah Bauer
15:59.5
198.2
D1 State
MIS
6-Nov
11
Micah Bauer
16:10.8
195.4
MMOC
Shepherd HS
13-Nov
Grade
Name
Rating
Meet
Course
Date
10
Micah Bauer
180.0
Ludington
West Shore CC
19-Sep
10
Micah Bauer
187.1
Petoskey
Petoskey MS
26-Sep
10
Micah Bauer
187.4
Shepherd Bluejay
Shepherd HS
3-Oct
10
Micah Bauer
183.1
Big North Conference
Petoskey MS
13-Oct
10
Micah Bauer
186.7
PR 1
Grand Haven HS
23-Oct
10
Micah Bauer
182.9
D1 Reg 1
Buckley HS
31-Oct
10
Micah Bauer
190.1
D1 State
MIS
6-Nov
This past spring, Valerie established herself as a mid-distance queen
Was that apparent in middle school? Sort of, she had run in the low 60’s, 2:23 in middle school, but to us outsiders, her freshman season was out of bounds and 100% unexpected
In total, Valerie sprinted to seven sub-2:20 marks, reaching down as far as 2:12, claiming titles at Von Ins, West Michigan, Region 2, and ultimately placing 6th at State
I speak of the 800m speed first because of its greatness, but let’s not let those times supersede Valerie’s fall months
Immediate achievement was attained off the bat, a victory at the Eagle Invite, followed by a September in the 19’s and a championship season largely in the 18’s
As with track, her best was done in the latter meets, grabbing medals at State, Regionals, OK Red, and a victory at Kent Ottawa
Accolades and speed in the spring and fall, Val’s Pals will have plenty to cheer for in the coming years
Michigan XC Speed Ratings 