The Regional Previews: Division 3, Region 21

Last Year

SUMMER PREVIEW
MID-SEASON
FINAL PROJECTIONS
THE RESULT

Girls

1. Stanton Central Montcalm (10^th)
2. Muskegon Western Mich. Christian (14^th)
3. Kent City (19^th)

Boys

1. Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (4^th)
2. Saranac (11^th)
3. Stanton Central Montcalm (10^th)

Top 27 Teams

Previous years had top-25 teams, but there’s 27 (and sometimes more) team qualifiers and what does it hurt to add another two?

Girls

Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (13^th), Kent City (16^th), Fennville (26^th)

Boys

The Potter’s House (Top 6), Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (Top 6), Saranac (14^th)

(If your team isn’t listed in the images above or the scores below, you probably don’t have five returners, at least on ol’ athletic.net. I’m sure many of these teams will fill out their rosters by late October)

Projected Scores

Place	Girls Team	Score
1	Grand Rapids Covenant Christian	58
2	Kent City	64
3	Fennville	85
4	The Potter’s House	110
5	Saranac	131
6	Grandville Calvin Christian	150
7	Montague	171
8	Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian	212
9	Holland Black River	217
10	Delton-Kellogg	234
11	Ravenna	294

Place	Boys Team	Score
1	The Potter’s House	39
2	Grand Rapids Covenant Christian	63
3	Saranac	101
4	Kent City	134
5	Holland Black River	167
6	Grandville Calvin Christian	172
7	Shelby	200
8	North Muskegon	203
9	Montague	247
10	Ravenna	252
11	Grant	260
12	Fennville	299
13	Delton-Kellogg	316

Top Runners

Thought I’d give a review of some of the top returners in each region. Returners means no incoming freshman (you’ll get your days in the sun). If you’re on a top team or in the 50 Tickets and you’re projected highly here, you hit the jackpot! Yes, I’m writing a bit less than previous years, but I think I’ve learned my lesson in that I need to conserve energy and brainpower for all divisions and regions. Typically by August, I’m rushing to get these done. This time around, hopefully all regions get the same amount of coverage.

Lila Volkers, Kent City

Ended her freshman year on a hot streak, then used that momentum to catapult into a 2022 season where she placed top-10 at State and won this region, I believe setting a school record while doing so.

Amber Koole, Grand Rapids Covenant Christian

Her freshman year was all over the place, ranging from the high-21’s to the 25’s. The past two years, she’s placed in the top-10 here and in 2022, grabbed an All-State.

Hannah Geaney, The Potter’s House

The Pumas have moved into Division 3, but don’t let that fool you into thinking Hannah can’t grab another All-State. Track times of 5:39/12:20 certainly indicate she can handle the paces necessary to do so.

Lola Bryce, Grandville Calvin Christian

Knocked 2.5 minutes off her freshman best, good enough to run varsity over here in Region 21 AND qualify for State.

Gracie Houtman, Kent City

After missing much of her sophomore spring, was able to quicken her times considerably. 13:52 to 12:25 may be the most striking and that strength has the potential to lead to an outstanding senior year.

Jackson Rodriguez, The Potter’s House

One might say his first year of cross country was a rousing success. 2^nd here in Region 21, 3^rd in Division 4, and a speedy personal best of 15:53. As with many of these Potter’s House folks, more to be written later…

Samuel Martini, Kent City

Following a cross country season where he hit his best place at State ever, Sam went on to set personal bests in every distance race. Most applicable to the 5k may be his 3200m, dropping from 9:38 to 9:34 and obtaining another 6^th spot in Division 3.

Ian Palacios, The Potter’s House

After missing his sophomore season, Ian returned to the cross country scene with much vigor. Lowered his personal best to the mid-16’s and placed 11^th at State.

Nathan Day, Saranac

Had a few outstanding performances on this Allendale course. A 16:41 in early October was his first race under 17:00, that was then bested by 4 seconds a month later. I’m not sure if the 800m is the greatest indicator of XC performance, but dude subtracted 10 seconds from his 2022 best to run 1:58 and place 5^th in Division 3.