It’s baaack. A summertime tradition has returned, the 50 Tickets to Brooklyn. These lists celebrate the top 50 returners – based on a concoction of the ’25 XC season, projected improvements, the ’26 Track season, and a tiny bit of my own input.
Enjoy!
Many of these photos are sourced from either MLive or Miles Postema. Any others will find credit in the caption.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 11 | Lucas Ballard | 16:03.5 | Marquette | 193.2 | MITCA | 8-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Lucas Ballard | 17:52.2 | Marquette | 172.6 | Great Northern Conference | 9-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Lucas Ballard | 17:06.6 | Marquette | 186.8 | Eskymos | 2-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Lucas Ballard | 16:24.2 | Marquette | 192.6 | Bluejay | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Lucas Ballard | 16:51.6 | Marquette | 193.1 | Spartan | 12-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Lucas Ballard | 16:50.6 | Marquette | 197.8 | Dale Phillips | 28-Aug | 2025 |
| 11 | Lucas Ballard | 18:32.6 | Marquette | 173.1 | NMU Wildcat | 22-Aug | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Lucas Ballard | 16:03.2 | Marquette | 193.6 | MITCA | 9-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Lucas Ballard | 16:07.2 | Marquette | 187.6 | UP Division 1 State | 19-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Lucas Ballard | 17:27.4 | Marquette | 166.2 | Eskymos | 3-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Lucas Ballard | 16:41.0 | Marquette | 184.7 | Bluejay | 28-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Lucas Ballard | 17:12.2 | Marquette | 178.6 | Wildcat | 23-Aug | 2024 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Lucas Ballard | 16:41.4 | Marquette | 180.2 | Bluejay | 30-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Lucas Ballard | 17:49.6 | Marquette | 166.1 | Spartan | 15-Sep | 2023 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 16:03
400m – 51.07
800m – 1:56
1600m – 4:17
3200m – 9:31
Accolades
XC
4th Place – UP Division 1 State (3x!)
2nd Place – Great Northern Conference
Track
UP Division 1 State 800m/1600m Champion
4th Place – UP Division 1 State 4×8
5th Place – UP Division 1 State 3200m
2025 UP Division 1 State 800m Champion
8x All-State
8th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 800m
10th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
His Specialty
Ballard is in the same exact position as last year, so what’d I write?
From my eyes, mid-distance. At Romeo, Ballard was a revelation to me, winning the 3rd fastest section by a considerable 4 second margin. A few weeks later, he raced to a 3rd place finish in the UP’s Division 1. Better than that 3rd was a win in the 800m. For the entire season, Ballard never gave us a time north of 2-flat, spitting times as fast as 1:56.
A year has passed and it’s been much of the same for Lucas. He’s improved on his 400m best, adding more speed to his tank. He comes off a season where he matched his 800m/1600m bests. He vanquished any challengers to his 800m crown, then added the 1600m early in the day for good measure. And with many of these kids who may specialize a *little* more toward the track, he’s got the XC chops too, being an elite UP contender for the past three seasons.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 16:30.7 | Grand Haven | 183.8 | D1 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 16:19.1 | Grand Haven | 188.6 | Region 1 | 25-Oct | 2025 |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 16:14.2 | Grand Haven | 188.6 | OK Red Championship | 16-Oct | 2025 |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 17:19.2 | Grand Haven | 176.3 | Portage | 4-Oct | 2025 |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 17:05.2 | Grand Haven | 177.9 | Allendale Falcon | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 16:42.6 | Grand Haven | 186.1 | OK Red 2 | 24-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 17:33.3 | Grand Haven | 179.2 | Spartan | 12-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Archer Verhage | 17:20.1 | Grand Haven | 176.6 | OK Red 1 | 9-Sep | 2025 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 16:14
800m – 1:59
1600m – 4:12
3200m – 9:41
Accolades
XC
10th Place – OK Red Championship
11th Place – Region 1
Track
6th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
3rd Place – Brooks PR Freshmen Mile
2nd Place – Region 2 1600m
3rd Place – OK Red 1600m
His Specialty
Given his stark rise this spring, quite obviously, the mile. When racing over those extra 9.3 meters in the Brooks PR freshman race, Archer stepped his game up even more than the 1600m form he showed in Michigan. Whereas his 1600m best on home state soil was “only” 4:15.65, over in Seattle, it was 4:12.46. That mark ranks #2 in Michigan history amongst 9th graders, second to only Rockford’s Cole Johnson. Given Grand Haven’s recent success in developing Seth Norder, Luka Hammond, and Gabby Hentemann, the future is extremely enticing.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:25.3 | Marshall | 185.9 | MITCA | 8-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 15:49.4 | Marshall | 199.2 | D2 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 15:55.9 | Marshall | 198.0 | Region 13 | 25-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 15:33.9 | Marshall | 198.7 | I-8 Championship | 16-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 15:37.6 | Marshall | 199.8 | Gabriel Richard | 11-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:23.5 | Marshall | 194.8 | Portage | 4-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:56.1 | Marshall | 190.0 | I-8 2 | 30-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 15:50.5 | Marshall | 197.5 | Stockbridge | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 17:16.1 | Marshall | 177.3 | Parchment Classic | 17-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:35.9 | Marshall | 198.4 | Spartan | 12-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:14.2 | Marshall | 195.6 | Bath | 6-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 15:57.8 | Marshall | 198.4 | Barney Roy | 26-Aug | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:10.0 | Marshall | 192.0 | Happy Acres | 23-Aug | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:36.9 | Marshall | 208.0 | Three Rivers Big Hill | 19-Aug | 2025 |
| 11 | Abraham McHugh | 16:49.3 | Marshall | 210.9 | Early Burg | 15-Aug | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:09.7 | Marshall | 190.8 | Division 2 State | 2-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:11.7 | Marshall | 192.8 | Region 13 | 26-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:34.1 | Marshall | 191.0 | I-8 Championship | 17-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 15:39.0 | Marshall | 201.7 | Gabriel Richard | 12-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:49.7 | Marshall | 172.8 | Calhoun County | 5-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 15:51.6 | Marshall | 193.1 | Stockbridge | 28-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:03.6 | Marshall | 209.1 | Holly | 14-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:26.7 | Marshall | 196.8 | Bath | 7-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:33.0 | Marshall | 196.3 | Happy Acres | 24-Aug | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:56.0 | Marshall | 196.7 | Three Rivers Big Hill | 20-Aug | 2024 |
| 10 | Abraham McHugh | 16:23.6 | Marshall | 193.5 | Viking Stampede | 16-Aug | 2024 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 16:44.6 | Marshall | 178.1 | MITCA | 11-Nov | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 16:35.5 | Marshall | 182.2 | Division 2 State | 4-Nov | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 17:04.9 | Marshall | 181.7 | Region 12 | 28-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 16:58.1 | Marshall | 169.6 | I-8 Championship | 21-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 17:07.4 | Marshall | 181.9 | Gabriel Richard | 14-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 16:30.8 | Marshall | 177.7 | Stockbridge | 30-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 17:04.3 | Marshall | 184.2 | Holly | 16-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 17:05.0 | Marshall | 179.0 | Bath | 9-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 16:36.3 | Marshall | 177.9 | Barney Roy | 29-Aug | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 18:20.6 | Marshall | 176.5 | Big Hill | 22-Aug | 2023 |
| 9 | Abraham McHugh | 17:21.6 | Marshall | 178.8 | Under the Lights | 18-Aug | 2023 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 15:33
800m – 1:59
1600m – 4:20
3200m – 9:23
Accolades
XC
14th Place – Division 2 State
I-8 & Region 13 Champion
3x Top-8 – I-8
Track
12th Place – Division 2 State 1600m
8th Place – 2025 Division 2 State 3200m
3rd Place – 2025 Division 2 State 4×8
Region 15 3200m Champion
3rd Place – I-8 800m
His Specialty
Championship season consistency. Heck, you could extend that to any big race in which Abraham competed. From October on, McHugh submitted his best material. Either it was sub-16 on the time sheet or a superb effort on a tough day (16:23 at Portage). His personal best came from those steady performances, as to did a Regional title, and his first All-State on the grass. When Abraham enters the ’26 championship season, expect him to make the most of his fitness.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 17:42.1 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 161.0 | Region 4 | 24-Oct | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:21.8 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 190.4 | River Rat Open | 10-Oct | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 17:06.9 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 180.4 | Portage | 4-Oct | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:10.7 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 197.4 | DeWitt | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:20.3 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 190.9 | SEC Red 2 | 25-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:07.5 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 193.9 | Jackson | 20-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:17.1 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 201.6 | Holly | 13-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:31.3 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 186.6 | SEC 1 | 9-Sep | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:39.9 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 191.7 | A2 City Preview | 27-Aug | 2025 |
| 9 | Hudson Doll | 16:41.4 | Ann Arbor Skyline | 196.5 | Lamplighter | 15-Aug | 2025 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 16:07
800m – 1:55
Mile – 4:19
3200m – 9:42
Accolades
XC
4th Place – DeWitt
5th Place – Holly
28th Place – Jackson
Track
2nd Place – Division 1 State 4×8
16th Place – Division 1 State 800m
4th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 800m
6th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
2nd Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State Mixed 4×4
His Specialty
He’s a track guy, for sure. Especially in the mid-distance. For two years now, Doll has been significantly sub-2 in the 800m. 1:56 as an 8th grader and 1:55 already this summer. It ain’t just one event for the rising Skyline sophomore, as he ranked #3 amongst all freshmen in the 1600m. Those efforts may have not panned out individually at the State Finals, but his speed was integral in the Eagles’ runner-up finish in the 4×8. I have no doubt that Hudson’s strength as a runner, even on the cross course, will benefit Skyline this fall.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:31.9 | Frankenmuth | 183.7 | MITCA | 8-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:24.2 | Frankenmuth | 187.6 | D2 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:31.5 | Frankenmuth | 183.5 | Region 15 | 24-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 15:50.3 | Frankenmuth | 189.2 | Saginaw County | 18-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:46.4 | Frankenmuth | 186.5 | TVC 3 | 7-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:20.0 | Frankenmuth | 192.0 | Greater Flint | 4-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:31.6 | Frankenmuth | 186.8 | Birch Run Fall | 30-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:58.3 | Frankenmuth | 181.2 | Bluejay | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:38.4 | Frankenmuth | 186.2 | TVC 2 | 23-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 17:48.5 | Frankenmuth | 190.2 | Frankenmuth Eagles | 18-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:38.3 | Frankenmuth | 197.6 | Spartan | 12-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:42.0 | Frankenmuth | 191.0 | TVC 1 | 9-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:38.1 | Frankenmuth | 186.6 | Northwood | 6-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Nick Parker | 16:46.6 | Frankenmuth | 194.1 | Night Light | 22-Aug | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:32.8 | Frankenmuth | 183.8 | MITCA | 9-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:31.3 | Frankenmuth | 183.6 | Division 2 State | 2-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:27.7 | Frankenmuth | 186.4 | Region 15 | 25-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:32.7 | Frankenmuth | 180.8 | Saginaw County | 19-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 17:33.2 | Frankenmuth | 189.3 | TVC Overall | 15-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:56.1 | Frankenmuth | 180.0 | TVC 3 | 8-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:42.3 | Frankenmuth | 179.9 | Greater Flint | 5-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:20.8 | Frankenmuth | 191.4 | Bluejay | 28-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 17:05.1 | Frankenmuth | 186.0 | TVC 2 | 25-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 17:44.0 | Frankenmuth | 183.3 | TVC 1 | 17-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:53.2 | Frankenmuth | 190.9 | Spartan | 13-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:49.6 | Frankenmuth | 184.1 | Northwood | 7-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:34.6 | Frankenmuth | 192.1 | John Bruder Classic | 4-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Nick Parker | 16:42.5 | Frankenmuth | 190.8 | Birch Run Early | 22-Aug | 2024 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 18:03.8 | Frankenmuth | 159.4 | Birch Run Fall | 3-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 17:38.0 | Frankenmuth | 161.3 | Bluejay | 30-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 17:25.7 | Frankenmuth | 165.4 | Division 2 State | 4-Nov | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 19:13.8 | Frankenmuth | 152.1 | Frankenmuth Eagles | 21-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 17:58.3 | Frankenmuth | 152.9 | Greater Flint | 7-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 18:06.6 | Frankenmuth | 161.8 | Pete Moss | 26-Aug | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 17:43.4 | Frankenmuth | 158.5 | Region 15 | 27-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 17:11.4 | Frankenmuth | 167.2 | Saginaw County | 21-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 17:11.2 | Frankenmuth | 166.6 | TVC Overall | 17-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 17:35.3 | Frankenmuth | 161.2 | TVC Red Championship | 10-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Nick Parker | 18:59.7 | Frankenmuth | 146.1 | Under the Lights | 18-Aug | 2023 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 15:50
800m – 1:58
1600m – 4:11
3200m – 9:22
Accolades
XC
3rd Place – Saginaw County
10th Place – Region 15
Track
3rd Place – Division 2 State 1600m
5th Place – Division 2 State 3200m
2nd Place – Division 2 State 4×8
TVC Conference 3200m Champion
His Specialty
Ooooh, another miler. Nick (and the others) wouldn’t be on this list if not for their cross country exploits. In Nick’s case, we know he’s a been solid mid-16 guy, with the occasional 15:xx burst. However, it’s his progress over four laps that gives wonder into what he’s capable. In the past year, he’s progressed from 4:29 to 4:11. That eye-popping 4:11 came from MITCA’s Champions of Champions, and just two weeks earlier, his personal best was 4:20. In the meantime, he grabbed 3rd at the D2 Finals. It’s not the only event where Parker saw tremendous improvement, as his 9:22 in the 3200m has impact here as well. The burgeoning talent is undeniable.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 15:39.3 | Salem | 201.2 | MITCA | 8-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 15:50.7 | Salem | 197.1 | D1 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 15:50.4 | Salem | 198.2 | Region 6 | 25-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 15:46.1 | Salem | 200.3 | KLAA Championship | 16-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 15:45.0 | Salem | 201.3 | Wayne County | 4-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 15:40.6 | Salem | 202.8 | Jackson | 20-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 16:14.1 | Salem | 202.6 | Holly | 13-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 16:17.8 | Salem | 193.4 | Rambling Rock | 6-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Austin Mercado | 16:52.3 | Salem | 192.9 | Lamplighter | 15-Aug | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 16:31.8 | Salem | 184.1 | MITCA | 9-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 16:31.2 | Salem | 183.6 | Division 1 State | 2-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 16:26.5 | Salem | 188.2 | Region 6 | 26-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 16:19.1 | Salem | 192.6 | KLAA Championship | 17-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 16:39.2 | Salem | 185.6 | Wayne County | 5-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 17:13.7 | Salem | 173.4 | Jackson | 21-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 16:57.5 | Salem | 191.2 | Holly | 14-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 17:12.1 | Salem | 178.0 | Rambling Rock | 7-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Austin Mercado | 17:41.8 | Salem | 171.7 | Lamplighter | 23-Aug | 2024 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Austin Mercado | 18:19.4 | Salem | 146.5 | MITCA | 11-Nov | 2023 |
| 9 | Austin Mercado | 19:58.3 | Salem | 128.9 | KLAA Conference | 20-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Austin Mercado | 19:41.6 | Salem | 130.5 | Gabriel Richard | 14-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Austin Mercado | 19:10.0 | Salem | 133.3 | Wayne County | 7-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Austin Mercado | 21:00.2 | Salem | 108.9 | Coaching Legends | 30-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Austin Mercado | 19:54.5 | Salem | 125.2 | Ramblin’ Rock | 9-Sep | 2023 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 15:39
800m – 2:02
1600m – 4:26
3200m – 9:57
Accolades
XC
3rd Place – Region 6 & Wayne County
9th Place – KLAA
40th Place – Division 1 State
2x All-County
Track
33rd Place – Division 1 State 3200m
3rd Place – Region 6 3200m
7th Place – KLAA Championship 1600m
His Specialty
Reliability. Just check out the portfolio from mid-season on. 15:40 at Jackson, 15:45 at Wayne County, 15:46 at KLAA, 15:50 at the Willow Region, 15:50 at MIS, 15:39 at MITCA. With changing courses, temperatures, terrain, championships or not, Austin Mercado delivers you a sub-16. That was even the case as a sophomore, his championship season consisting of many mid-16 efforts. Again, the case in track, despite racing infrequently, able to muster a 9:27 at regionals and qualify for State. Any circumstance, any season, expect Mercado to not let you down.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 11 | Seth Betzold | 16:02.2 | Essexville Garber | 193.6 | MITCA | 8-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Seth Betzold | 15:57.6 | Essexville Garber | 196.5 | D2 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Seth Betzold | 16:01.8 | Essexville Garber | 193.4 | Region 15 | 24-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Seth Betzold | 16:40.0 | Essexville Garber | 188.7 | TVC 3 | 7-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Seth Betzold | 16:35.8 | Essexville Garber | 188.7 | Bluejay | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Seth Betzold | 16:58.8 | Essexville Garber | 179.7 | Northwood | 6-Sep | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Seth Betzold | 16:18.2 | Essexville Garber | 188.6 | MITCA | 9-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Seth Betzold | 16:15.3 | Essexville Garber | 188.9 | Division 2 State | 2-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Seth Betzold | 16:18.2 | Essexville Garber | 189.6 | Region 15 | 25-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Seth Betzold | 17:42.1 | Essexville Garber | 186.3 | TVC Overall | 15-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Seth Betzold | 17:14.2 | Essexville Garber | 178.3 | Bay County | 10-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Seth Betzold | 17:01.4 | Essexville Garber | 178.2 | TVC 3 | 8-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Seth Betzold | 17:37.8 | Essexville Garber | 168.1 | Northwood | 7-Sep | 2024 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 15:57
800m – 2:01
1600m – 4:17
3200m – 9:39
Accolades
XC
23rd Place – Division 2 State
Bay County Champion
5th Place – Region 15
Track
4th Place – Division 2 State 1600m
14th Place – Division 2 State 3200m
Bay County 800m/1600m/3200m Champion
6th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 4×8
7th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR
His Specialty
Reaching a whole new level when the races begin to matter. Peer at Betzold’s two seasons running for Garber and you’ll find a familiar theme. Even extending into mid-October, Seth races at one level. As a sophomore, this was in the mid to low 17’s. A junior, the mid-16’s. Then a whole new racer comes about at Regional, State, and MITCA. This resulted in three straight 16:1x efforts in 2025, then a sub-16 and All-State finish as a junior. Don’t trust the projections, trust that Seth will shock you in November.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 16:05.1 | Traverse City West | 192.6 | MITCA | 8-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 15:59.9 | Traverse City West | 194.0 | D1 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 15:59.7 | Traverse City West | 193.8 | Region 2 | 25-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 16:53.9 | Traverse City West | 188.4 | BNC Championship | 14-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 16:01.3 | Traverse City West | 194.6 | Oiler Blue & Gold | 11-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 16:52.0 | Traverse City West | 183.3 | Bluejay | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 16:03.1 | Traverse City West | 194.6 | VSV | 20-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 15:57.8 | Traverse City West | 199.7 | Ottawa Hills | 12-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 16:51.1 | Traverse City West | 189.3 | Titan Takeoff | 6-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Liam Wierzba | 16:16.4 | Traverse City West | 196.9 | Pete Moss | 23-Aug | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 16:14.5 | Traverse City West | 189.9 | MITCA | 9-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 16:53.6 | Traverse City West | 177.8 | Region 2 | 25-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 16:10.5 | Traverse City West | 190.5 | BNC Championship | 15-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 16:24.0 | Traverse City West | 190.0 | Portage | 5-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 16:06.8 | Traverse City West | 196.1 | Bluejay | 28-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 15:51.3 | Traverse City West | 198.9 | VSV | 21-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 16:16.7 | Traverse City West | 194.4 | Ottawa Hills | 13-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 16:13.9 | Traverse City West | 197.0 | Titan Takeoff | 7-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Liam Wierzba | 15:46.6 | Traverse City West | 203.8 | Pete Moss | 24-Aug | 2024 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:37.8 | Traverse City West | 181.7 | Division 1 State | 4-Nov | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:41.1 | Traverse City West | 179.3 | Region 2 | 27-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:09.7 | Traverse City West | 187.1 | Northern Mich. MOC | 21-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 17:07.0 | Traverse City West | 170.7 | BNC Championship | 17-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:18.4 | Traverse City West | 190.9 | Portage | 7-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:12.9 | Traverse City West | 189.7 | Bluejay | 30-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:26.3 | Traverse City West | 186.2 | Cadillac | 23-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:52.9 | Traverse City West | 180.4 | Northwood | 9-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Liam Wierzba | 16:45.6 | Traverse City West | 188.8 | Pete Moss | 26-Aug | 2023 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 15:46
800m – 1:57
1600m – 4:14
3200m – 9:21
Accolades
XC
8th Place – Big North Conference
13th Place – Region 2
59th Place – Division 1 State
2x Top-8 – Big North Conference
Track
14th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
5th Place – Division 1 State 4×8
2nd Place – Big North Conference 800m
3rd Place – Big North Conference 1600m
4th Place – Region 1 1600m/3200m
His Specialty
Really ripping it on the track. You pick an event, relay or individual, and Liam will have had success in it. The 800m? Well, he popped off the Titan’s Division 1 5th place relay. Individually, in just three times toeing the line all season, dropped a 1:57. Extending up to the 3200m? He’s got the 19th fastest PR of any returner in Michigan. Liam’s prime event seems to be the 1600m, where he finished 14th in Division 1, then pushed through to a massive personal best (4:14) a week later at MITCA. Surely that momentum will carry over into cross.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 15:55.5 | Caledonia | 195.5 | D1 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 16:18.3 | Caledonia | 190.9 | Region 3 | 25-Oct | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 16:16.1 | Caledonia | 189.3 | OK Green Conference | 14-Oct | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 16:55.1 | Caledonia | 184.3 | Portage | 4-Oct | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 16:00.1 | Caledonia | 193.0 | Otsego Bulldog | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 16:42.6 | Caledonia | 185.5 | OK Green 2 | 24-Sep | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 17:36.8 | Caledonia | 166.7 | Ottawa Hills | 12-Sep | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 17:46.9 | Caledonia | 167.0 | Coach B | 8-Sep | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 18:02.7 | Caledonia | 164.4 | OK Green 1 | 3-Sep | 2025 |
| 10 | Sean Thompson | 17:27.9 | Caledonia | 176.0 | Under the Lights v2 | 22-Aug | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 17:15.6 | Caledonia | 173.1 | Region 3 | 25-Oct | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 17:20.6 | Caledonia | 165.1 | OK Green Conference | 15-Oct | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 17:56.9 | Caledonia | 159.0 | Portage | 5-Oct | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 17:21.9 | Caledonia | 167.0 | Otsego Bulldog | 28-Sep | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 19:25.1 | Caledonia | 144.0 | OK Green 2 | 25-Sep | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 17:53.1 | Caledonia | 162.3 | Ottawa Hills | 13-Sep | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 19:24.6 | Caledonia | 136.5 | Coach B | 9-Sep | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 18:41.2 | Caledonia | 153.6 | OK Green 1 | 4-Sep | 2024 |
| 9 | Sean Thompson | 18:15.1 | Caledonia | 156.0 | Under the Lights v2 | 23-Aug | 2024 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 15:55
1600m – 4:21
3200m – 9:18
Accolades
XC
4th Place – OK Green
17th Place – Region 3
47th Place – Division 1 State
2x Top-13 – OK Green
Track
19th Place – Division 1 State 4×8
OK Green Conference 4×8/3200m Champion
26th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 3200m
His Specialty
Improving into unforeseen levels. Okay, perhaps unforeseen is a little rough, given his family history. But genetics doesn’t always tell the whole story and hand waves away his rapid improvement. This jump up has been seen on multiple levels. For one, freshman to sophomore year, as Sean closed the year 80 sec. faster (17:15 to 15:55). Throughout the season, as Thompson has typically dropped more than a minute from his openers. And on the track, where he’s dipped welllll into the 9’s for the 3200m, moving from 10:21 to 9:18 in one full year. What’s next? Given the current Caledonia momentum, the sky’s the limit.
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 15:56.6 | Pinckney | 195.5 | MITCA | 8-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 16:10.0 | Pinckney | 192.3 | D2 State Finals | 1-Nov | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 16:53.1 | Pinckney | 185.3 | Region 16 | 25-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 16:20.9 | Pinckney | 193.4 | SEC Championship | 16-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 15:36.7 | Pinckney | 200.1 | Gabriel Richard | 11-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 15:59.5 | Pinckney | 202.8 | Portage | 4-Oct | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 16:31.5 | Pinckney | 202.5 | Coaching Legends | 27-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 16:13.1 | Pinckney | 201.3 | SEC White 2 | 25-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 15:53.5 | Pinckney | 209.5 | Holly | 13-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 16:01.2 | Pinckney | 196.6 | SEC 1 | 9-Sep | 2025 |
| 11 | Cole McCraw | 16:49.5 | Pinckney | 197.5 | Milford | 28-Aug | 2025 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 16:10.6 | Pinckney | 191.1 | MITCA | 9-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 15:49.5 | Pinckney | 197.5 | Division 2 State | 2-Nov | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 16:08.7 | Pinckney | 196.4 | Region 16 | 26-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 16:38.7 | Pinckney | 186.8 | SEC Championship | 17-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 16:15.8 | Pinckney | 192.7 | Portage | 5-Oct | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 16:54.2 | Pinckney | 193.6 | Coaching Legends | 28-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 16:25.6 | Pinckney | 201.8 | Holly | 14-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 16:26.4 | Pinckney | 200.2 | SEC 1 | 10-Sep | 2024 |
| 10 | Cole McCraw | 17:50.8 | Pinckney | 188.4 | Milford | 29-Aug | 2024 |
| Grade | Name | Time | Team | Rating | Meet | Date | Year |
| 9 | Cole McCraw | 16:27.0 | Pinckney | 184.0 | MITCA | 11-Nov | 2023 |
| 9 | Cole McCraw | 16:32.9 | Pinckney | 183.0 | Division 2 State | 4-Nov | 2023 |
| 9 | Cole McCraw | 16:54.0 | Pinckney | 182.7 | Region 16 | 28-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Cole McCraw | 17:03.0 | Pinckney | 182.7 | SEC Championship | 19-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Cole McCraw | 16:53.2 | Pinckney | 186.6 | Gabriel Richard | 14-Oct | 2023 |
| 9 | Cole McCraw | 18:11.8 | Pinckney | 165.1 | Coaching Legends | 30-Sep | 2023 |
| 9 | Cole McCraw | 18:18.6 | Pinckney | 159.5 | Holly | 16-Sep | 2023 |
Personal Records
5k (XC) – 15:36
1600m – 4:28
3200m – 9:29
Accolades
XC
2nd Place – SEC White (3x Top-7)
6th Place – Region 16 (3x Top-7)
38th Place – Division 2 State
Track
15th Place – Division 2 State 3200m
16th Place – Division 2 State 4×8
3rd Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR
18th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 3200m
His Specialty
Being able to bring it on a variety of courses. Something I’ve always felt about Pinckney runners is that they’re tough and resilient. Maybe it’s the tradition, maybe it’s the need for miles on the endless dirt roads, hills, and trails in the surrounding area. But it’s evident in Cole’s past. When the Pirates head to Holly, he’s spun some of his best material, winning in ’24 and dropping a 15:53 this past fall. Perhaps an even tougher course in Kenosha brought out a win in the Footlocker Fresh/Soph. race. Turn the tables to quicker venues and he can speed up, evidenced by his 15:36 at Gabriel Richard. Us Michiganders are blessed to endure many changing circumstances and Cole is well-equipped to handle anything that comes his way.
Michigan XC Speed Ratings 