2024 State Previews & Predictions: The Throws

It’s that time of the year where the Best Crews get thrown aside, the numbers are tossed in the trash, and ol’ MIXCSR gets to voice his own predictions. 2022’s preview included simulations (similar to what I do in cross country), 2023’s version had stats and charts for an athlete’s average/most recent performances. Compiling all that info is easy during the fall, with 17 separate events in the spring, it’s too dang tedious.

Instead, I’ll be just rolling with my own predictions. I feel that I can do that. Cross Country is all number-based, as are the Best Crews, this is my one moment to put my thoughts out there. But before I let you know my process, know this: I appreciate everyone for competing, to those who’ve made it to June and those who haven’t, you’re awesome. To those who see this and want to prove them wrong: Go do that and tell me about it afterward. To those who see this and want to prove them right: I know you’re 100% capable of showing the world your greatness.

My general thought process for throws is this:

• Consistency is huge, of course with the context of the competition and heights
• Improvement throughout the year – emphasized more here
• Looking back to previous years, ability to rise to the occasion in important meets

So here are the predictions, with a little writing beforehand and a bit of info on who I think might the All-State finishers.

BOYS PROJECTED SCORES (THROUGH 5 EVENTS)
GIRLS PROJECTED SCORES (THROUGH 5 EVENTS)

DIVISION ONE BOYS

Shot Put

Last Year: Andrew Berryhill, 58’ 0.25”

I love the geographical concentrations of throwers here: Detroit’s Northwest suburbs (Walled Lake schools, Lakeland) and Grand Rapids area (Zeeland East, Cedar Springs). Oh, and don’t forget Merrick Hocking, representing Midland, All-State 4x now in his career.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Garrett Weeden	Zeeland East	9th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in 2024
2	11	Liam Vaughan	Walled Lake Western	10th Place – 2023, Lakes Valley Champion
3	12	Brycen Anderson	Walled Lake Central	Region 9 Champion
4	10	Andre Neumann	White Lake Lakeland	Oakland County Champion
5	12	Merrick Hocking	Midland	6th Place – 2023, SVL & Region 1 Champion
6	12	Tyler Marrogy	Walled Lake Central	8’+ improvement since junior year
7	12	Parker Williams	Zeeland East	8th Place – 2023
8	11	Hudson Pant	Cedar Springs	5.5′ improvement since sophomore year

Discus

Last Year: Gerald Capaccio – 167’ 2”

Interesting confluence of both consistent throwers – Garrett Weeden, Merrick Hocking, Robbie Schuckel, Teegan Williams with those showing huge tosses late in the season such as Tyler Marrogy, Nathan Cody, and Ray Glory-Ejoyokah.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Garrett Weeden	Zeeland East	6th Place – 2023, Region 2 & OK Green Champion
2	11	Teegan Simmons	Monroe	SEC & Region 5 Champion
3	12	Robbie Schuckel	Northville	Undefeated in 2024, KLAA & Region 6 Champion
4	12	Merrick Hocking	Midland	7th Place – 2023, Region 1 Champion
5	12	Tyler Marrogy	Walled Lake Central	3rd Place – 2023, Region 9 Champion
6	10	Jackson Shaltry	Grand Ledge	CAAC Blue, Region 4 Champion. #2 sophomore in Michigan
7	12	Clintin Allen	Grosse Pointe North	Region 7, MAC Red Champion
8	12	Matthew Gurwin	Walled Lake Northern	Moved up 8 spots in one year in Region 9 to qualify

DIVISION ONE GIRLS

Shot Put

Last Year: Sophie Daugard, 41’ 7”

Abigail Russell has been performing to a high standard all year, enough to gain the #2 rank in the entire state in the Shot Put. We have yet to see what Traverse City Central freshman Lorelai Zielinski can do when facing intense competition, but I’m guessing she’ll be up for the task.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Abigail Russell	Allen Park	2022 Champion, 3rd Place – 2023, Unbeaten in 2024
2	9	Lorelai Zielinski	Traverse City Central	#6 freshman in US
3	12	Kayla Harris	East Kentwood	4th Place – 2023, Region 3 & OK Red Champion
4	12	Aubree Meyer	Hartland	5th Place – 2023, Region 4 & KLAA Champion
5	11	Leigha Stoepker	Jenison	2nd Place – OK Red, Region 2
6	12	Jordyn Harris	Walled Lake Central	Region 9, LVC Champion
7	11	Izzy Krause	Plymouth	13th Place – 2023, Region 6 Champion
8	10	Olivia Hosford	Rockford	10th Place – 2023, Region 1 Champion

Discus

Last Year: Abigail Russell, 148’ 7”

As a senior, Abigail Russell has been over 150’ on many occasions, even ripping a 165’ that’s within sight of the state record. Ready to see what she has in store for the big stage and hopefully, favorable conditions.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Abigail Russell	Allen Park	2022 & 2023 State Champion
2	12	Kayla Harris	East Kentwood	OK Red & Region 3 Champion
3	12	Anna Tilden	Zeeland East	6th Place – 2023, Region 2 & OK Green Champion
4	9	Lorelai Zielinski	Traverse City Central	#4 freshman in US
5	11	Jada Ewell	Royal Oak	Region 8, OAA Red/White Champion
6	12	Jordyn Harris	Walled Lake Central	LVC, Region 9, Oakland County Champion
7	11	Leigha Stoepker	Jenison	26′ improvement from sophomore year
8	12	Ania Toboy	Wyandotte Roosevelt	Wayne County Champion

DIVISION TWO BOYS

Shot Put

Last Year: Michael Howey, 55’ 8”

Many of the top throwers have been hitting 50’+ with no shame, straight steadiness all year. These type of consistent, high-level efforts under pressure makes one believe that the 60’s aren’t out of the equation. The question is – who?

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	11	Brennan Faber	Parma Western	4th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in 2024
2	11	Derrick Simmons	Frankenmuth	13th Place – 2023, TVC Red & Region 20 Champion
3	11	Adam Huff	Wayland Union	16th Place – 2023, OK Gold Champion
4	12	Logan Klein	Gladwin	3rd Place – 2023, Region 11 & Jack Pine Champion
5	12	Noah Shaw	Parma Western	8’+ improvement in past year, 2nd Place – Region 15 & I-8
6	12	Gabe Vansickle	Coopersville	Nearly 5′ improvement in past year, Region 12 & OK Blue Champion
7	12	Matthew Foor	Carleton Airport	8th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in May
8	11	Riley Gelderbloom	Comstock Park	20th Place – 2023, Region 13 Champion

Discus

Last Year: Dalton DeBeau, 171’ 6”

Four of 2023’s top five finishers were seniors, as a result, we’ll have some new faces to the top spots in D2. Regionals produced three throwers standing above the rest: Matthew Foor, Adam Huff, and Derrick Simmons. All ripped throws of 175+, the kind of peak you need to win a title here.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	11	Adam Huff	Wayland Union	2nd Place – 2023, Undefeated in 2024
2	11	Derrick Simmons	Frankenmuth	6th Place – 2023, Region 20 Champion
3	12	Matthew Foor	Carleton Airport	Region 16, Huron League Champion
4	12	Samuel Talaga	Freeland	Region 11, Saginaw County Champion
5	12	Larson Fessenden	Edwardsburg	Wolverine Conference Champion
6	11	Niko Mamaladze	Frankenmuth	17′ improvement since 10th grade, 4th Place – Team State
7	11	Darrin Strey	Paw Paw	25′ improvement since 10th grade, Region 14 Champion
8	11	Korbin Sulitis	Petoskey	Big North Champion

DIVISION TWO GIRLS

Shot Put

Last Year: Janae Hudson, 42’ 7”

The defending champion, Janae Hudson, returns and time after time, she’s been putting it over 40’. Lately, girls such as Ellianna Foley, Kalia Monroe, and Makenzie Johns have been joining her in the 40’s, and all have shown in the past that they can elevate to a new level come State time.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Janae Hudson	Marysville	Defending Champion, Region 19 Champion
2	11	Kalia Monroe	Eastpointe	6th Place – 2023, Region 18 & Macomb County Champion
3	12	Makenzie Johns	Cadillac	2nd Place – 2023, Region 11 Champion
4	11	Ellianna Foley	Coldwater	4th Place – 2023, I-8 & Region 14 Champion
5	11	Cora Williams	Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard	8th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in 2024
6	10	Aubree Deshetsky	North Branch	6′ improvement since freshman year
7	11	Anna Brant	Chelsea	14th Place – 2023, SEC White Champion
8	12	Ellie Thorburn	Williamston	19th Place – 2023, CAAC Red Champion

Discus

Last Year: Haley Guerrant, 136’ 10”

The throws have been poppin’ lately. Janae Hudson with a 146’ to win the Blue Water Meet of Champions, Aliyah Springer ripped a 138’ to capture the Region 12 crown, and Allyson Broaddus, the OK Gold Champion with a 133’.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Janae Hudson	Marysville	4th Place – 2023, Region 19 Champion
2	12	Aliyah Springer	Hamilton	5th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in 2024
3	12	Allyson Broaddus	Grand Rapids Catholic Central	6th Place – 2023, Region 13 & OK Gold Champion
4	12	Ella Schafer	St. Johns	CAAC Red & Region 20 Champion
5	10	Aubree Deshetsky	North Branch	32′ improvement since freshman year
6	11	Kalia Monroe	Eastpointe	Macomb County & Region 18 Champion
7	12	Makenzie Johns	Cadillac	19th Place – 2023
8	12	Lily Hileman	Freeland	11th Place – 2023, Saginaw County Champion

DIVISION THREE BOYS

Shot Put

Last Year: Gavin Nurenburg, 57’ 9.5”

In May of ’23, Gavin Nurenburg was defeated by Kellen Kimes at the Bluejay Invite, but in June, he came back to grab the crown. At this year’s Kent City Elite Invite, Mason Mayne bested Nurenburg. The prior year’s trend could continue, it could not, either way, these are two excellent throwers.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Gavin Nurenburg	Pewamo-Westphalia	Defending Champion, Unbeaten in May
2	11	Mason Mayne	Lawton	2nd Place – 2023, Undefeated in 2024
3	11	Mason Brodie	Clinton	13th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in May
4	12	Dalton Brown	Pewamo-Westphalia	4th Place – 2023
5	9	Chris Tetloff	Midland Bullock Creek	#11 freshman in the US
6	11	Carter Helsel	Manton	14th Place – 2023, Highland Conference & Region 22 Champion
7	12	Maddox Gonzalez	Standish Sterling	21st Place – 2023, Region 21 & TVC Blue Champion
8	12	Bennett VandenBerg	Constantine	Region 25, SAC Champion

Discus

Last Year: Kellen Kimes, 174’ 3”

The torch passes on. Last year, it was Kimes claiming the latter portion of his back-to-back titles. Placing second, right on his tail, was Mason Mayne, who is hitting his stride late in this season. His 178’er to win in Region 23 ranks #3 in Michigan and #141 in the nation.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	11	Mason Mayne	Lawton	3rd Place – 2023, Region 9 Champion, Unbeaten in 2024
2	12	Gavin Nurenburg	Pewamo-Westphalia	2nd Place – 2023, CMAC & Region 30 Champion
3	12	Bennett VandenBerg	Constantine	6th Place – 2023, Region 25 & SAC Champion
4	12	Logan Cole	Union City	5th Place – 2023, Big 8 Champion
5	11	Chase Bott	Kingsley	11th Place (in D2) – 2023, Region 22 & NWC Champion
6	11	Mason Brodie	Clinton	4th Place – 2023, Region 26 & LCAA Champion
7	12	Alex Pranger	GR NorthPointe Christian	39′ improvement since 11th grade, Region 23 Champion
8	12	Maddox Gonzalez	Standish Sterling	9th Place – 2023, 14′ improvement since 11th grade

DIVISION THREE GIRLS

Shot Put

Last Year: Payton Otto, 39’ 4.5”

Yes, you read that correctly. A freshman ranked #5 in the country.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	9	Addyson Stiverson	Montrose	Ranked #5 in the US
2	12	Rylan Finstrom	Grayling	Region 21 & LMC Champion
3	10	Allison Gladu	McBain	Region 22 & Highland Conference Champion
4	11	Isabel Rozeveld	McBain	10th Place – 2023, Region 1 Champion
5	11	Brenna McDonald	Schoolcraft	12th Place – 2023, Region 24 & SAC Champion
6	12	Emily O’Dell	Standish Sterling	TVC Blue Champion
7	12	Claire Boomstra	Grandville Calvin Christian	18th Place – 2023, OK Silver & Region 23 Champion
8	11	Kate Classens	Traverse City St. Francis	15th Place – 2023

Discus

Last Year: Sophia Snellenberger, 141’ 5”

After coming into 2022’s Finals with a personal best of 128’1, Rylan Finstrom busted out a 145’ winner. Coming back late in her junior season, a State title was unfortunately out of the cards. Now with a full season under her belt, she’s been consistently hitting 130’s with the occasional 148’+ toss.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Rylan Finstrom	Grayling	Defending Champion, Unbeaten in 2024
2	9	Addyson Stiverson	Montrose	#19 freshman in the US
3	12	Anya Sexton	Watervliet	SAC & Region 24 Champion
4	12	Jaylyn Perkins	Homer	7th Place – 2023, Region 25 & Cascades Champion
5	11	Brenna McDonald	Schoolcraft	4th Place – 2023
6	10	Jenna Spitzley	Pewamo-Westphalia	16th Place – 2023, CMAC & Region 30 Champion
7	10	Madalyn Wayward	Manistee	20th Place – 2023, Region 22 Champion
8	11	Megan Mackinder	Stockbridge	13th Place – 2023, Region 28 Champion

DIVISION FOUR BOYS

Shot Put

Last Year: Kyle Affer, 49’ 2”

The general rise of these competitors throughout the year, starting in the low 40’s and consistently moving into the high 40’s (or even 50’s) should make for a thrilling competition.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	10	Oliver Long	Morrice	Region 36 Champion, #3 sophomore in Michigan
2	11	Zander Mapes	Breckenridge	Region 37, MSAC Champion
3	12	Lloyd Sebright-Johnson	White Cloud	Region 33, CSAA Champion
4	12	Seth Miller	White Pigeon	7th Place – 2023, Region 34 Champion
5	11	Warren Aylsworth III	Maple City Glen Lake	3rd Place – 2023, Region 32 Champion
6	12	Kylis Fletcher	Beal City	12th Place – 2023
7	12	Levi Schroeder	Michigan Lutheran Seminary	9′ improvement since junior year
8	12	Benjamin Gavin	Detroit Frederick Douglass	8th Place – 2023, Region 40 Champion

Discus

Last Year: Nathan Buchmann, 157’ 1”

The top spot up for grabs, some of the highest finishers have set up their senior year in excellent fashion to rise on the podium. Kylis Fletcher recovered from Regionals to throw 150’ in a Highland Conference win, Zander Mapes is throwing at least 20’ further than any comparable point in 2023, and Dominic Scharer is unbeaten during championship season.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Dominic Scharer	Hillsdale Academy	3rd Place – 2023, Region 35 & SCAA Champion
2	11	Zander Mapes	Breckenridge	4th Place -2023, Region 37 & MSAC Champion
3	12	Kylis Fletcher	Beal City	2nd Place – 2023, Highland Conference Champion
4	11	Zachary McFadden	Fruitport Calvary Christian	13th Place – 2023, Region 33 Champion
5	12	Noah Matson	Kalamazoo Hackett	Region 34 Champion
6	12	Jude Mickevich	Mason County Eastern	27′ improvement since junior year
7	12	Lloyd Sebright-Johnson	White Cloud	2nd Place – CSAA, Region 33
8	10	Julius Johnson	Marlette	Region 38, GTC East Champion

DIVISION FOUR GIRLS

Shot Put

Last Year: Natalie Wandrie, 39’ 8”

Six of the top eight medalists from 2023 were seniors, paving the way for a whole new set of throwers.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Maddy Biller	Brethen	7th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in 2024
2	12	Lyla Mullins	Austin Catholic	16th Place – 2023, Region 39 Champion
3	12	Desjanea Perkins	Forest Area	10th Place – 2023, Ski Valley & Region 32 Champion
4	12	Izzy Boyer	East Jordan	18th Place – 2023
5	12	Grace Nemecek	East Jordan	10th Place (D3) – 2022
6	11	Mariah Kerley	East Jackson	14th Place – 2023, Cascades & Region 36 Champion
7	12	Alyse Baughman	Kalamazoo Hackett	9th Place – 2023, Region 34 Champion
8	10	Diamond Cook	Southfield Christian	27th Place – 2023, MIAC & Region 40 Champion

Discus

Last Year: Natalie Wandrie, 128’ 11”

I’m here for the massive progress, whether that be Lyla Mullins moving above 115’ after a career full of 40-70’ discs or Eleanor Valkner, who grabbed golds in the NWC and Region 32, both of which were out of her grasp last year.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Eleanor Valkner	Maple City Glen Lake	13th Place – 2023, Region 32 & NWC Champion
2	12	Lyla Mullins	Austin Catholic	42′ improvement since junior year
3	12	McKayla Cruson	Marion	WMD Champion
4	12	Izzy Boyer	East Jordan	Nearly 16′ improvement since junior year
5	12	Maddy Biller	Brethen	8th Place – 2023, Region 33 Champion
6	11	Abbie Morris	Rochester Hills Lutheran NW	7th Place – 2023, MIAC Champion
7	10	Ryleigh Ewald	Unionville-Sebewaing	Region 38 Champion
8	11	Niki McNeil	Saugatuck	Region 34 Champion

UP DIVISION ONE BOYS

Shot Put

Last Year: Garrett Veale, 48’ 8.5”

Whatever may occur, the Flivvers will be picking up points. Garrett Veale won this last year, this time around, Noah Johnson has taken the reigns. Thus far, Noah is the only boy north of the bridge to cross the 50’ barrier.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Noah Johnson	Kingsford	2nd Place – 2023
2	12	Evan Arbic	Sault Ste. Marie	3rd Place – 2023
3	12	Garrett Veale	Kingsford	Defending Champion
4	11	Mathew Franti	Calumet	WestPAC Champion
5	12	Zach Barron	Escanaba	7th Place – 2023
6	10	Braden Ditmeyer	Sault Ste. Marie	#9 in the UP
7	12	Tucker Welch	Marquette	#11 in the UP
8	12	Grayson Palmer	Kingsford	#22 in the UP

Discus

Last Year: Noah Johnson, 160’ 5”

Noah Johnson’s discus tosses would make him a serious candidate for medals and/or wins in every division in Michigan. No one in the UP has come close this year as he goes for his second consecutive title.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Noah Johnson	Kingsford	#19 in Michigan, Defending Champion
2	12	Grayson Palmer	Kingsford	2nd Place – 2023
3	12	Dasan Smith	Marquette	4th Place – 2023, Region 41 Champion
4	10	Talon Smith	Marquette	Almost 37′ improvement since freshman year
5	10	Nathan Cattoor	Marquette	Marquette County Champion
6	12	Garrett Veale	Kingsford	Is it me or is “Garrett Veale” an excellent throwing name?
7	11	Aaron Hughes	Gladstone	MPC Champion
8	9	Michael Solena	Houghton	#2 freshman in the UP

UP DIVISION ONE GIRLS

Shot Put

Last Year: Hannah Maurer, 37’ 4.5”

It appears we’ll have two battles of two teammates: Danielle Lund and Gwen Brewster, Katie Anderson and Annabelle Fazzari. The latter two picked up top-five finishes last year. Lund has a near perfect track record this year, the one defeat coming from Brewster.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Danielle Lund	Manistique	D2 Champion – 2023, MPC & Region 41 Champion
2	11	Annabelle Fazzari	Sault Ste. Marie	4th Place – 2023, Straits Area Conference Champion
3	12	Katie Anderson	Sault Ste. Marie	3rd Place – 2023
4	12	Ashley Bell	Negaunee	6th Place – 2023
5	10	Gwen Brewster	Manistique	6th Place (D2) – 2023
6	11	Jackie Kiilunen	Calumet	Region 42 Champion
7	11	Allison Bjorn	Calumet	WestPAC Champion
8	9	Kate Filpus	Houghton	#3 freshman in the UP

Discus

Last Year: Eliana Jucemich, 117’ 5”

One of the benefits of the Soo’s close proximity to the bridge is the ability to come down for more competition. So when Katie Anderson throws at East Jordan, her 119’ gives her the best mark in the UP to date. That’s not to say the competition in our better peninsula is worse, cause Danielle Lund won a regional crown over Anderson. Will there be payback?

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Katie Anderson	Sault Ste. Marie	2nd Place – 2023, #1 in the UP
2	12	Danielle Lund	Manistique	3rd Place (D2) – 2023, Region 41 Champion
3	12	Ashley Bell	Negaunee	4th Place – 2023, Unbeaten in May
4	11	Annabelle Fazzari	Sault Ste. Marie	5th Place – 2023
5	12	Zoey Gillis	Gladstone	#17 in the UP
6	10	Alina Nelson	Negaunee	23′ improvement since her freshman year
7	11	Jackie Kiilunen	Calumet	#22 in the UP
8	12	Madeline Boehmer	Kingsford	#30 in the UP

UP DIVISION TWO BOYS

Shot Put

Last Year: Brayden Altoft, 45’ 2”

This past week, we may have gotten a preview for Saturday. At the WestPAC Conference meet, Bryce Davis and Myles Lewis faced off, Lewis placing 2^nd at 43’ 7”, Lewis 3^rd at 43’ 0”.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Myles Lewis	Hancock	2nd Place – 2023, Region 43 Champion
2	11	Bryce Davis	Iron Mountain	MPC & Region 44 Champion
3	12	Brayden Martin	Ispheming	4th Place – 2023
4	11	Carlos Perez	Ishpeming	5th Place – 2023, Marquette County Champion
5	10	Tanner Nordstrom	West Iron County	6th Place – 2023
6	11	Mason Beauchamp	Gwinn	#33 in the UP
7	12	Kaeden Sistrunk	Rudyard	#26 in the UP
8	12	Luke Wolfe	Iron Mountain	First SP state qualifier

Discus

Last Year: Brayden Martin, 136’ 1”

It appears that no one will match Brayden Martin’s 136’ from 2023, but then again, Brayden Martin showed no signs of hitting that 136. There are plenty in this field that have been bumping up in distance, so don’t be shocked when a 130-footer comes about.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	11	Ethan Hoolsema	Rudyard	10th Place – 2023, Region 44 Champion
2	12	Kurt Bissell	Ironwood	8th Place – 2023
3	12	Brayden Martin	Ishpeming	Defending Champion, Region 43 Champion
4	11	Jack Cifelli	Rudyard	20’+ improvement since sophomore year
5	10	Tanner Nordstrom	West Iron County	4th Place – 2023
6	11	Mason Beauchamp	Gwinn	20’+ improvement since sophomore year
7	12	Kendrick Brace	Pickford	First discus qualifier
8	11	Carlos Perez	Ishpeming	First discus qualifier

UP DIVISION TWO GIRLS

Shot Put

Last Year: Danielle Lund, 34’ 10.25”

Over multiple meets, two girls have consistently thrown over 30’: Emma Wardon and Chloe May. But with May being from Pickford and Wardon from Ironwood, we understandably haven’t seen the two face off.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	10	Emma Wardon	Ironwood	4th Place – 2023, Region 43 Champion
2	12	Chloe May	Pickford	3rd Place – 2023, Region 44 Champion
3	11	Jadyn Negilski	Ishpeming	Marquette County Champion
4	10	Mya Hemmer	Ishpeming	2nd Place – 2023
5	11	Brooke Portice	Pickford	#19 in the UP
6	11	Nikol Kharlan	Gwinn	#30 in the UP
7	11	Sidney Storti	West Iron County	#42 in the UP
8	11	Elizabeth Wing	Munising	First ever SP qualifier

Discus

Last Year: Kadence Potoczak, 100’ 10”

The Pickford tradition looks to continue, Potoczak winning last year and Chloe May placing 2^nd. For extra added security, Junior Brooke Portice holds the best mark in the division.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Chloe May	Pickford	2nd Place – 2023, Region 44 Champion
2	11	Brooke Portice	Pickford	5th Place – 2023, #3 in the UP
3	10	Emma Wardon	Ironwood	Nearly 40′ improvement since freshman year
4	10	Mya Hemmer	Ishpeming	Region 43 Champion
5	11	Nikol Kharlan	Gwinn	#21 in the UP
6	11	Elizabeth Wing	Munising	14th Place – 2023
7	11	Journey Comment	Ishpeming	First ever Discus qualifier
8	11	Jadyn Negilski	Ishpeming	8th Place – 2023

UP DIVISION THREE BOYS

Shot Put

Last Year: Koby Goldi, 42’ 1”

This could go a thousand different ways. Ethan Pavey and Gabe Luck, the Newberry teammates, have battled back and forth all year. Neal Rand is the highest-placing returner. Kevin Giuliani and Gabe Popko both claimed conference and regional titles.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Gabe Luck	Newberry	5th Place – 2023, EUP Conference & Region 45 Champion
2	11	Ethan Pavey	Newberry	#8 in the UP
3	12	Neal Rand	Bessemer	2nd Place – 2023
4	11	Kevin Giuliani	Forest Park	Region 48 & Skyline Conference Champion
5	12	Gabe Popko	Lake Linden-Hubbell	Region 47 & Copper Mountain Champion
6	11	Ben Kaurala	Bessemer	3rd Place – 2023
7	12	Nick Halberg	St. Ignace	#15 in the UP
8	11	Spencer Willa	Powers North Central	First SP state qualifier in first season throwing

Discus

Last Year: Seth Mills, 134’ 2”

Pound for pound, the best discus competition in the UP. Three of the top four ranked throwers and kids who were all over podiums last spring.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Liam Nalette	Newberry	2nd Place – 2023, #4 in UP, Region 45 Champion
2	12	Gabe Popko	Lake Linden-Hubbell	Region 47 & Copper Mountain Champion, #2 in UP
3	12	Neal Rand	Bessemer	4th Place – 2023, #3 in the UP
4	11	Kevin Giuliani	Forest Park	5th Place – 2023, Region 48 Champion
5	12	Jax Lipnitz	St. Ignace	3rd Place (D2) – 2023
6	11	Nate Sterbenz	Baraga	#8 in the UP
7	11	Eddie Forslund	Rapid River	Region 46 Champion
8	11	Alex Drew	Lake Linden-Hubbell	11th Place 2023

UP DIVISION THREE GIRLS

Shot Put

Last Year: Grace Hill, 31’ 11.5”

All year, it’s been the two Carney-Nadeau girls. Mariska Laurila has had the upper hand thus far (and is looking to add the SP to her discus title), though Kelsie Smith is slowly trending up into the 30’s.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	11	Mariska Laurila	Carney-Nadeau	2nd Place – 2023, Region 48 Champion
2	12	Kelsie Smith	Carney-Nadeau	7th Place – 2023, #12 in UP
3	10	Tallulah Slabosheski	Brimley	Region 45 Champion
4	10	Maddy Dudenas	Lake Linden-Hubbell	Region 47 Champion
5	11	Alayna Strahl	Stephenson	11th Place – 2023
6	11	Cadence Cullen	St. Ignace	First ever SP qualifier
7	10	Hannah Ruppert	Forest Park	5′ improvement since freshman year
8	10	Hope Brunngraeber	Rock Mid-Peninsula	Region 46 Champion

Discus

Last Year: Mariska Laurila, 102’ 3”

That 102’ toss was a huge step up for Mariska Laurila, as was Reese Holley’s 100’ 9” that helped her place second. Now the two are throwing further. And they’ve yet to face each other in 2024.

Place	Grade	Name	Team	Notes
1	12	Reese Holley	Baraga	2nd Place – 2023, Unbeaten in 2024
2	11	Mariska Laurila	Carney-Nadeau	Defending Champion, Skyline Conference Champion
3	10	Tallulah Slabosheski	Brimley	9th Place – 2023, EUP & Region 45 Champion
4	11	Alayna Strahl	Stephenson	5th Place – 2023, Region 48 Champion
5	10	Emma Besonen	Ewen-Trout Creek	10th Place – 2023, #11 in UP
6	11	Addison Cullen	St. Ignace	#20 in the UP
7	10	Hope Brunngraeber	Rock Mid-Peninsula	6th Place – 2023, Region 46 Champion
8	10	Cleo Milkey	Lake Linden-Hubbell	Only two throws on a.net… #27 in UP