Author: mixcspeedratings

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!

2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020

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	Daisy Cox	17:56.5	Rockford	155.8	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
11	Daisy Cox	17:59.1	Rockford	153.3	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Daisy Cox	18:12.2	Rockford	150.6	Region 1	25-Oct	2025
11	Daisy Cox	18:05.6	Rockford	151.1	OK Red Championship	16-Oct	2025
11	Daisy Cox	19:00.6	Rockford	138.1	Kent Ottawa	11-Oct	2025
11	Daisy Cox	19:06.9	Rockford	141.0	Portage	4-Oct	2025
11	Daisy Cox	18:56.9	Rockford	141.4	Allendale Falcon	27-Sep	2025
11	Daisy Cox	18:47.1	Rockford	145.3	OK Red 2	24-Sep	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Daisy Cox	17:41.3	Rockford	159.9	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Daisy Cox	17:57.0	Rockford	154.3	Region 1	26-Oct	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:00.4	Rockford	152.5	OK Red Championship	17-Oct	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:03.7	Rockford	155.4	Kent Ottawa	12-Oct	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:08.0	Rockford	156.0	Portage	5-Oct	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:18.7	Rockford	149.8	Allendale Falcon	28-Sep	2024
10	Daisy Cox	19:03.4	Rockford	152.2	OK Red 2	25-Sep	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:26.1	Rockford	153.0	Cedar Springs	21-Sep	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:23.9	Rockford	152.7	Ottawa Hills	13-Sep	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:41.4	Rockford	153.9	OK Red 1	10-Sep	2024
10	Daisy Cox	19:15.3	Rockford	145.2	Saranac	28-Aug	2024
10	Daisy Cox	18:47.1	Rockford	153.3	PC Early Bird	16-Aug	2024
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Daisy Cox	19:20.4	Rockford	127.9	Division 1 State	4-Nov	2023
9	Daisy Cox	19:03.1	Rockford	131.6	Region 1	28-Oct	2023
9	Daisy Cox	18:51.0	Rockford	137.0	OK Red Conference	19-Oct	2023
9	Daisy Cox	19:22.4	Rockford	130.5	Portage	7-Oct	2023
9	Daisy Cox	19:03.3	Rockford	137.2	Allendale Falcon	30-Sep	2023
9	Daisy Cox	19:46.0	Rockford	121.7	Cedar Springs	23-Sep	2023
9	Daisy Cox	19:24.7	Rockford	130.4	Ottawa Hills	15-Sep	2023
9	Daisy Cox	19:58.4	Rockford	122.2	Bath	9-Sep	2023
9	Daisy Cox	20:06.8	Rockford	122.4	Under the Lights v2	25-Aug	2023
9	Daisy Cox	20:33.5	Rockford	118.2	Portage Early Bird	18-Aug	2023

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:37
800m – 2:20
1600m – 4:55
2 Mile – 10:41

Accolades

XC

20^th Place – Division 1 State
2x All-State
2^nd Place – OK Red Championship
2^nd Place – Region 1

Track

9^th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
12^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
Region 2 3200m Champion
OK Red 3200m Champion
8^th Place – 2024 Division 1 State 3200m

You Know I Dig Improvement

Just by way of getting out there and competing, Daisy was miles ahead of her ’25 track season. A year ago, between indoor and outdoor, Cox was only able to complete four races. After toeing the line many times for her Rams in this past junior season, Daisy was healthy enough to extend her racing into much of June. Those post-season races saw Daisy set a 2 Mile PR of 10:41 (around 4 sec. faster than she ran the 3200m as a freshman) and get under 5:00 for the first time ever. Minor improvements in terms of time, but major in terms of her ability to get out there. Stacking a successful spring to an already successful career should pay dividends in the coming months.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Charley McKay	18:02.3	Woodhaven Brownstown	153.9	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
10	Charley McKay	17:51.8	Woodhaven Brownstown	155.7	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
10	Charley McKay	18:49.4	Woodhaven Brownstown	135.5	Region 5	25-Oct	2025
10	Charley McKay	18:57.3	Woodhaven Brownstown	132.9	Downriver League Championship	16-Oct	2025
10	Charley McKay	19:31.4	Woodhaven Brownstown	120.9	Downriver Gabriel Richard	11-Oct	2025
10	Charley McKay	19:46.6	Woodhaven Brownstown	136.8	Lamplighter	15-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Charley McKay	18:17.9	Woodhaven Brownstown	147.7	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
9	Charley McKay	19:01.0	Woodhaven Brownstown	135.0	Region 5	26-Oct	2024
9	Charley Mckay	19:31.8	Woodhaven Brownstown	129.7	Downriver League Championship	17-Oct	2024
9	Charley McKay	19:56.4	Woodhaven Brownstown	122.2	River Rat Open	11-Oct	2024
9	Charley McKay	19:37.9	Woodhaven Brownstown	126.0	Portage	5-Oct	2024
9	Charley McKay	19:36.5	Woodhaven Brownstown	131.8	Downriver League 2	1-Oct	2024
9	Charley McKay	18:55.1	Woodhaven Brownstown	146.6	Huron	14-Sep	2024
9	Charley McKay	19:35.0	Woodhaven Brownstown	131.3	Warrior Classic	6-Sep	2024
9	Charley McKay	19:11.6	Woodhaven Brownstown	142.8	Lamplighter	23-Aug	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:51
800m – 2:19
1600m – 4:56
3200m – 10:50

Accolades

XC

11^th Place – Division 1 State
2x All-State
2x Downriver League Champion
2x Top-5 – Region 5

Track

8^th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
26^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
Downriver League 1600m Champion
Region 5 1600m Champion

You Know I Dig Improvement

Charley is a champion of jetting up the scoreboard over the course of the season. Each of the past two cross campaigns, she’s begun the season on one level and finished on a whole ‘nother one. Back in her freshman year, August through October consisted of many 19:00+ races before dropping into the low-18’s at the State Finals. In a condensed sophomore fall, McKay once again commenced her return with 19+ min. efforts before unleashing a 17:51 to place 11^th in Division 1. When the fitness is fully there, it’s obvious she’ll turn in a marvelous performance.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
11	Grace Wonch	19:01.8	Lansing Catholic	134.1	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
11	Grace Wonch	18:38.7	Lansing Catholic	140.1	D3 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Grace Wonch	18:56.7	Lansing Catholic	128.8	Region 26	25-Oct	2025
11	Grace Wonch	18:30.5	Lansing Catholic	140.2	CAAC White 3	15-Oct	2025
11	Grace Wonch	18:57.3	Lansing Catholic	135.6	Greater Lansing	11-Oct	2025
11	Grace Wonch	18:53.4	Lansing Catholic	145.5	Portage	4-Oct	2025
11	Grace Wonch	20:05.2	Lansing Catholic	123.6	CAAC White 2	30-Sep	2025
11	Grace Wonch	19:50.2	Lansing Catholic	122.6	DeWitt	27-Sep	2025
11	Grace Wonch	18:26.8	Lansing Catholic	145.1	P-W	20-Sep	2025
11	Grace Wonch	19:21.8	Lansing Catholic	131.7	CAAC White 1	16-Sep	2025
11	Grace Wonch	19:34.0	Lansing Catholic	131.0	Lansing Catholic	11-Sep	2025
11	Grace Wonch	19:28.6	Lansing Catholic	139.1	Averill	6-Sep	2025
11	Grace Wonch	19:09.1	Lansing Catholic	146.3	Michigan Catholic	23-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Grace Wonch	19:21.0	Lansing Catholic	125.3	Division 3 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Grace Wonch	19:33.3	Lansing Catholic	114.9	Region 26	26-Oct	2024
10	Grace Wonch	19:59.2	Lansing Catholic	114.6	CAAC White 3	17-Oct	2024
10	Grace Wonch	20:05.7	Lansing Catholic	115.1	Greater Lansing	12-Oct	2024
10	Grace Wonch	20:32.5	Lansing Catholic	106.5	DeWitt	28-Sep	2024
10	Grace Wonch	19:52.6	Lansing Catholic	125.8	Cougar Falcon	21-Sep	2024
10	Grace Wonch	20:39.3	Lansing Catholic	115.6	Lansing Catholic	12-Sep	2024
10	Grace Wonch	20:33.4	Lansing Catholic	122.9	Averill	7-Sep	2024
10	Grace Wonch	20:06.1	Lansing Catholic	131.6	Michigan Catholic	24-Aug	2024
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Grace Wonch	19:44.8	Lansing Catholic	117.7	Division 3 State	4-Nov	2023
9	Grace Wonch	22:04.1	Lansing Catholic	90.6	Region 26	27-Oct	2023
9	Grace Wonch	22:02.8	Lansing Catholic	89.4	CAAC White 3	19-Oct	2023
9	Grace Wonch	21:34.5	Lansing Catholic	91.8	Greater Lansing	14-Oct	2023
9	Grace Wonch	20:39.6	Lansing Catholic	102.1	Bluejay	30-Sep	2023
9	Grace Wonch	20:39.1	Lansing Catholic	105.0	Cougar Falcon	23-Sep	2023
9	Grace Wonch	21:09.8	Lansing Catholic	94.4	Lansing Catholic	14-Sep	2023
9	Grace Wonch	21:38.6	Lansing Catholic	98.5	Michigan Catholic	26-Aug	2023

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:26
800m – 2:17
1600m – 4:58
3200m – 10:37

Accolades

XC

7^th Place – Division 3 State
3^rd Place – Region 26
10^th Place – Greater Lansing

Track

Division 3 State 1600m/3200m Champion
3^rd Place – Division 3 State 800m
7x All-State
CAAC White 3200m Champion
Greater Lansing 1600m Champion
Region 30 1600m Champion

You Know I Dig Improvement

We’ve seen the transformation from one cross season to the next, the sophomore to junior difference being a large one (19:21, 32^nd in D3 to 18:26, 7^th in D3). That doesn’t even come close to the chasm between her two junior seasons. During the fall of that junior year, Wonch was already operating at a high level, the aforementioned mid-18 PR and state performance to go along with her best ever Greater Lansing finish and many sub-19’s. The spring of her junior year saw Grace evolve from one of the better D3 girls to an elite Michigan figure. From the 800m to the 3200m, Wonch ranked within the top-50 of the whole state, with her expertise coming in the longer distances (15^th in the 3200m). In a year, that 3200m best dropped from 11:15 to 10:37. Huge gaps that can only continue.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
11	Caroline Randall	17:49.6	Hastings	156.8	D2 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Caroline Randall	18:46.2	Hastings	145.3	Region 12	25-Oct	2025
11	Caroline Randall	18:22.2	Hastings	141.6	I-8 Championship	16-Oct	2025
11	Caroline Randall	18:16.5	Hastings	145.5	Gabriel Richard	11-Oct	2025
11	Caroline Randall	18:30.5	Hastings	153.2	Portage	4-Oct	2025
11	Caroline Randall	19:17.2	Hastings	145.9	I-8 2	30-Sep	2025
11	Caroline Randall	17:39.8	Hastings	159.7	Otsego Bulldog	27-Sep	2025
11	Caroline Randall	19:10.6	Hastings	136.5	Bangor	20-Sep	2025
11	Caroline Randall	18:52.7	Hastings	145.1	Hopkins	13-Sep	2025
11	Caroline Randall	19:20.7	Hastings	140.4	I-8 1	9-Sep	2025
11	Caroline Randall	19:19.7	Hastings	138.1	Delton Kellogg	4-Sep	2025
11	Caroline Randall	18:43.7	Hastings	143.4	Barney Roy	26-Aug	2025
11	Caroline Randall	18:25.9	Hastings	156.0	Under the Lights v2	22-Aug	2025
11	Caroline Randall	19:15.2	Hastings	147.6	PC Early Bird	15-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Caroline Randall	18:36.8	Hastings	141.4	Division 2 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Caroline Randall	19:01.6	Hastings	133.1	Region 12	26-Oct	2024
10	Caroline Randall	19:55.6	Hastings	124.1	I-8 Championship	17-Oct	2024
10	Caroline Randall	20:08.8	Hastings	115.7	Portage	5-Oct	2024
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Caroline Randall	18:49.4	Hastings	135.5	MITCA	11-Nov	2023
9	Caroline Randall	18:45.8	Hastings	139.1	Division 2 State	4-Nov	2023
9	Caroline Randall	19:19.3	Hastings	135.9	Region 12	28-Oct	2023
9	Caroline Randall	19:09.9	Hastings	128.0	I-8 Championship	21-Oct	2023
9	Caroline Randall	18:57.0	Hastings	139.0	Portage	7-Oct	2023
9	Caroline Randall	18:45.8	Hastings	140.1	Otsego Bulldog	30-Sep	2023
9	Caroline Randall	19:41.2	Hastings	128.3	Bangor	23-Sep	2023
9	Caroline Randall	19:36.6	Hastings	123.1	Lakeview	9-Sep	2023
9	Caroline Randall	20:12.8	Hastings	122.1	Delton Kellogg	7-Sep	2023
9	Caroline Randall	19:10.7	Hastings	124.8	Barney Roy	29-Aug	2023
9	Caroline Randall	19:26.5	Hastings	135.8	Under the Lights v2	25-Aug	2023
9	Caroline Randall	20:02.8	Hastings	128.4	Portage Early Bird	18-Aug	2023

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:39
1600m – 5:08
3200m – 10:45

Accolades

XC

4^th Place – Division 2 State
3x All-State
2x Barry County Champion
3x I-8 Champion

Track

3^rd Place – Division 2 State 3200m
I-8 800m/1600m/3200m Champion
Region 15 1600m/3200m Champion

You Know I Dig Improvement

Caroline has always shown a propensity to race her best at season’s end, whether a shortened or lengthy season. Those furious finishes have only gotten better throughout time. Her first two years on the high school scene featured podium finishes at MIS. They were a bit further back in the field, in the mid to high-18’s, 29^th as a freshman and 20^th as a sophomore. Her ’25 portfolio was full of racing from August 15^th to November 1^st, and through that full season, Randall was able to progress into the 17’s. The first instance of those speedy performances came at Otsego, which proved she had the potential to reach up in the elite area of D2. Come November, when Caroline lowered her MIS PB from 18:34 to 17:49, that exactly happened. Her career may be a lesson to many, keep sticking with it and you’ll reap the rewards.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
11	Maddie Lindley	17:46.4	Holly	159.2	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	17:52.9	Holly	155.4	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	17:39.5	Holly	159.2	Region 2	25-Oct	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	18:01.6	Holly	156.8	FML 3	15-Oct	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	18:49.9	Holly	157.4	Oakland County	4-Oct	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	18:01.3	Holly	161.2	Bluejay	27-Sep	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	19:15.4	Holly	147.5	FML 2	24-Sep	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	18:28.1	Holly	157.6	Holly	13-Sep	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	18:13.7	Holly	153.8	Bath	6-Sep	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	18:35.6	Holly	146.5	FML 1	3-Sep	2025
11	Maddie Lindley	18:45.7	Holly	149.4	Birch Run Early	21-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Maddie Lindley	19:26.9	Holly	124.7	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	20:05.1	Holly	117.3	Region 4	26-Oct	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	20:53.4	Holly	104.5	FML 3	16-Oct	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	21:59.4	Holly	89.9	Oakland County	5-Oct	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	21:48.9	Holly	83.4	Bluejay	28-Sep	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	21:59.3	Holly	82.6	FML 2	25-Sep	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	21:07.5	Holly	92.8	VSV	21-Sep	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	21:16.2	Holly	104.6	Holly	14-Sep	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	20:26.9	Holly	117.4	Bath	7-Sep	2024
10	Maddie Lindley	20:41.6	Holly	108.8	FML 1	4-Sep	2024
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Maddie Lindley	20:47.3	Holly	104.2	Region 4	28-Oct	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	20:31.1	Holly	99.0	FML Championship	18-Oct	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	21:34.9	Holly	97.0	Kayla O’Mara	14-Oct	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	21:49.2	Holly	91.9	Oakland County	7-Oct	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	20:38.7	Holly	101.1	Cadillac	23-Sep	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	21:40.3	Holly	92.2	Holly	16-Sep	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	21:31.9	Holly	91.0	Bath	9-Sep	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	23:22.4	Holly	59.9	Corunna Early Bird	29-Aug	2023
9	Maddie Lindley	23:32.3	Holly	61.6	Oakdale Classic	25-Aug	2023

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:39
800m – 2:20
Mile – 4:58
3200m – 10:52

Accolades

XC

12^th Place – Division 1 State
2^nd Place – Region 2
FML Champion
2^nd Place – Oakland County

Track

10^th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
34^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
6^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
13^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 800m
Region 9 1600m Champion
2^nd Place – Oakland County 1600m

You Know I Dig Improvement

With Maddie having one of the greater transformations of any Michigander in the sport. It’s plainly evident from the numbers, times, and accolades that Lindley has turned into a totally different runner. Where and when the shift began, I don’t know, but I do know that it began to bear out during her sophomore fall. Commencing the season in the 20-21 min. range, Maddie was able to run a personal best in her most important race of the year in Region 4, then grab the opportunity at State and blast a 19:26. The momentum continued from there, when in the following track season, Lindley lowered her 3200m best from 11:30 to 10:55. That 10^th grade transformation then led into a junior cross season where Maddie was the best runner in the FML and dropped into the 17’s for her final three races. Gettin’ faster and making the most of the opportunities thrown her way can only lead to continued greatness throughout her senior year.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
11	Tessa Mascari	18:05.3	Traverse City West	152.9	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	18:00.1	Traverse City West	153.0	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	17:51.4	Traverse City West	155.2	Region 2	25-Oct	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	18:49.2	Traverse City West	153.3	BNC Championship	14-Oct	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	18:18.3	Traverse City West	148.9	Oiler Blue & Gold	11-Oct	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	17:56.7	Traverse City West	162.8	Bluejay	27-Sep	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	18:05.8	Traverse City West	153.8	VSV	20-Sep	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	17:49.4	Traverse City West	161.9	Ottawa Hills	12-Sep	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	18:38.9	Traverse City West	153.4	Titan Takeoff	6-Sep	2025
11	Tessa Mascari	18:58.8	Traverse City West	142.1	Pete Moss	23-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Tessa Mascari	18:40.6	Traverse City West	140.1	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:32.7	Traverse City West	143.4	Region 2	25-Oct	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:57.1	Traverse City West	133.0	BNC Championship	15-Oct	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:59.4	Traverse City West	138.9	Portage	5-Oct	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:53.8	Traverse City West	141.7	Bluejay	28-Sep	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:27.2	Traverse City West	146.3	VSV	21-Sep	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:49.8	Traverse City West	144.1	Ottawa Hills	13-Sep	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:55.2	Traverse City West	142.6	Titan Takeoff	7-Sep	2024
10	Tessa Mascari	18:54.0	Traverse City West	140.3	Pete Moss	24-Aug	2024
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Tessa Mascari	19:05.0	Traverse City West	130.3	MITCA	11-Nov	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:24.9	Traverse City West	126.4	Division 1 State	4-Nov	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:28.4	Traverse City West	124.5	Region 2	27-Oct	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:14.2	Traverse City West	124.6	Northern Mich. MOC	21-Oct	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:23.3	Traverse City West	124.2	BNC Championship	17-Oct	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:23.0	Traverse City West	130.3	Portage	7-Oct	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:03.8	Traverse City West	134.1	Bluejay	30-Sep	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:53.7	Traverse City West	116.1	Cadillac	23-Sep	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	19:42.5	Traverse City West	124.5	Ottawa Hills	15-Sep	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	20:28.5	Traverse City West	111.8	Northwood	9-Sep	2023
9	Tessa Mascari	20:10.8	Traverse City West	121.1	Pete Moss	25-Aug	2023

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:49
800m – 2:13
1600m – 4:58
3200m – 11:14

Accolades

XC

21^st Place – Division 1 State
2^nd Place – Big North Conference
3^rd Place – Region 2

Track

12^th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
17^th Place – Division 1 State 800m
5^th Place – Division 1 State 4×8
2^nd Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR
Region 1 1600m Champion

You Know I Dig Improvement

Despite beginning her career at a high level, Tessa has always figured out a way to improve. Those reductions may be a bit more gradual than most, but added together, they’re significant. Take XC for example. Thrust onto a Traverse City West team that’s usually occupying a State Finals spot, Mascari was able to begin her career as an influential force, placing in the top-10 in her league and region. Mascari ended that season with a personal best of 19:03, a time she’s whittled away at ever since. A year later, that low-19 effort became a 18:25 at season’s close, and that 18:25 turned into 17:49 during her junior season. As the times have dropped, so too have the MIS finishes, which have been *almost* cut in half each year (80^th to 40^th to 21^st). Steadily keeping at it, with no end in sight.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Ainsley Kelm	18:11.2	Portage Northern	149.3	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
10	Ainsley Kelm	18:40.2	Portage Northern	143.9	Region 3	25-Oct	2025
10	Ainsley Kelm	18:11.0	Portage Northern	159.7	Portage	4-Oct	2025
10	Ainsley Kelm	17:44.8	Portage Northern	160.8	Jackson	20-Sep	2025
10	Ainsley Kelm	18:07.2	Portage Northern	155.9	Ottawa Hills	12-Sep	2025
10	Ainsley Kelm	18:15.7	Portage Northern	152.5	Lakeview	6-Sep	2025
10	Ainsley Kelm	18:19.5	Portage Northern	158.2	Under the Lights v2	22-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Ainsley Kelm	18:33.0	Portage Northern	142.7	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	18:42.3	Portage Northern	142.6	Region 3	25-Oct	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	18:46.7	Portage Northern	139.4	SMAC Championship	19-Oct	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	18:57.8	Portage Northern	139.4	Portage	5-Oct	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	19:12.2	Portage Northern	139.3	Cougar Falcon	21-Sep	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	19:54.6	Portage Northern	125.8	SMAC West 1	18-Sep	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	19:13.4	Portage Northern	136.2	Ottawa Hills	13-Sep	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	19:04.7	Portage Northern	131.4	Lakeview	7-Sep	2024
9	Ainsley Kelm	19:28.7	Portage Northern	131.8	Under the Lights v2	23-Aug	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:44
1600m – 5:00
3200m – 10:43

Accolades

XC

28^th Place – Division 1 State
6^th Place – Region 3
2x Top-6 – Region 3

Track

7^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
8^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 3200m
SMAC 3200m Champion
2^nd Place – Region 3 1600m/3200m

You Know I Dig Improvement

Where some may see progress within a season, some may see it from year to year, others such as Ainsley are examples of when it can occur from one discipline to the next. Kelm definitely had one of the better 9^th grade seasons of any girl in 2024, opening her season with a mid-19 performance at Under the Lights, then gradually moving to a 18:33 at State (11^th best amongst all Michigan freshmen). A season as such could lead to a track campaign where a State berth is possible, although not guaranteed. But then 6.5 months later in the Region 3 3200m, Kelm left no doubt that she’d get another crack at Michigan’s biggest stage. Not only was she able to comfortably run under the qualifying standard, she won the dang regional title. By season’s end, her 3200m time ranked 6^th amongst 9^th grade girls. A year later, she wasn’t just ranked, she was All-State on the track. With Ainsley, what you see now may not be what you see in the future, and that’s a good thing.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
11	Ava Schafer	17:47.1	St. Johns	159.0	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
11	Ava Schafer	18:05.6	St. Johns	151.5	D2 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Ava Schafer	18:17.3	St. Johns	147.9	Region 14	24-Oct	2025
11	Ava Schafer	18:47.3	St. Johns	142.6	CAAC Red 3	16-Oct	2025
11	Ava Schafer	18:04.1	St. Johns	153.3	Greater Lansing	11-Oct	2025
11	Ava Schafer	18:48.6	St. Johns	147.1	CAAC Red 2	30-Sep	2025
11	Ava Schafer	18:38.6	St. Johns	146.8	CAAC Red 1	16-Sep	2025
11	Ava Schafer	17:50.5	St. Johns	166.5	John Bruder Classic	3-Sep	2025
11	Ava Schafer	18:18.4	St. Johns	162.2	Under the Lights	22-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Ava Schafer	17:20.7	St. Johns	166.8	Division 2 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Ava Schafer	18:03.8	St. Johns	153.4	Region 14	25-Oct	2024
10	Ava Schafer	18:16.2	St. Johns	151.3	CAAC Red 3	17-Oct	2024
10	Ava Schafer	17:32.4	St. Johns	166.2	Greater Lansing	12-Oct	2024
10	Ava Schafer	17:45.8	St. Johns	162.1	DeWitt	28-Sep	2024
10	Ava Schafer	17:47.5	St. Johns	164.8	Ottawa Hills	13-Sep	2024
10	Ava Schafer	17:56.9	St. Johns	163.7	Marauder	4-Sep	2024
10	Ava Schafer	18:10.5	St. Johns	163.5	Under the Lights	23-Aug	2024
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Ava Schafer	17:32.6	St. Johns	161.1	MITCA	11-Nov	2023
9	Ava Schafer	17:53.8	St. Johns	156.4	Division 2 State	4-Nov	2023
9	Ava Schafer	18:28.6	St. Johns	154.1	Region 14	27-Oct	2023
9	Ava Schafer	18:20.2	St. Johns	147.3	CAAC Red 3	19-Oct	2023
9	Ava Schafer	18:32.5	St. Johns	152.5	Greater Lansing	14-Oct	2023
9	Ava Schafer	17:54.4	St. Johns	157.2	Bluejay	30-Sep	2023
9	Ava Schafer	18:33.4	St. Johns	150.5	Bath	9-Sep	2023
9	Ava Schafer	18:50.2	St. Johns	150.6	Corunna Early Bird	29-Aug	2023
9	Ava Schafer	18:16.0	St. Johns	160.7	Under the Lights	18-Aug	2023

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:05
800m – 2:19
1600m – 4:57
3200m – 10:36

Accolades

XC

7^th Place – Division 2 State
2024 Division 2 State Champ
3x All-State
3x Region 14 Champion
3x CAAC Red Champion
2x Greater Lansing Champion

Track

4^th Place – Division 2 State 3200m
2023 Division 2 State 3200m Champion
Region 20 1600m/3200m Champion
CAAC Red 1600m/3200m Champion
Greater Lansing 3200m Champion

You Know I Dig Improvement

Ava has definitely been an athlete that’s had much writing on here, praising her consistent, wise, and relentless racing. She was the D2 3200m champion as a freshman, then accomplished the same supremacy on the grass during her sophomore fall. The successive seasons seemed to take a step back (which we certainly don’t judge – times and accomplishments do not even begin to mark your importance as a runner and human being), as Schafer battled injuries and challenges she had rarely faced. Facing setbacks and struggles, however, gives us the chance to learn and grow, which Ava certainly has done. As a junior, she was able to improve on her sophomore 3200m best (10:43 to 10:36) and move back onto the medal stand at State (10^th to 4^th). She’s battle-tested in all ways and no one is more ready for a senior season.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Keira Von Blon	17:57.2	Ann Arbor Pioneer	153.9	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	17:54.8	Ann Arbor Pioneer	153.7	Region 5	25-Oct	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	18:30.5	Ann Arbor Pioneer	149.8	SEC Championship	16-Oct	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	18:29.7	Ann Arbor Pioneer	153.4	Portage	4-Oct	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	17:32.7	Ann Arbor Pioneer	162.1	Otsego Bulldog	27-Sep	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	18:11.4	Ann Arbor Pioneer	152.9	SEC Red 2	25-Sep	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	17:56.4	Ann Arbor Pioneer	156.9	Jackson	20-Sep	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	18:35.3	Ann Arbor Pioneer	160.2	Spartan	12-Sep	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	18:40.9	Ann Arbor Pioneer	143.0	SEC 1	9-Sep	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	18:24.1	Ann Arbor Pioneer	155.3	John Bruder Classic	3-Sep	2025
9	Keira Von Blon	18:46.5	Ann Arbor Pioneer	146.2	Pete Moss	23-Aug	2025

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:32
800m – 2:16
Mile – 4:55
3200m – 10:34

Accolades

XC

14^th Place – Division 1 State
2025 Division 1 Team State Champion
3^rd Place – Region 5
3^rd Place – SEC Red Championship

Track

5^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
2^nd Place – Division 1 State 4×8
5^th Place – New Balance Indoor 4xMile
12^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
SEC Red 1600m Champion

You Know I Dig Improvement

When you begin your career on the elite level that KVB has, it’s a little tougher to find drastic leaps in time. Prior to the ’25 season, Pioneer was thought to be one of the better squads in the state, but perhaps not a state title contender. Her 18:46 opener at Pete Moss drastically shifted that conversation. She made quick work towards improvement, taking that 18:46 and turning it into a sub-18 at Jackson. Within a week, what was once a runner that snuck into the 17’s was one that ripped a 17:32 at Otsego. Come championship time, Von Blon was able to use the newly acquired speed for team success, finishing 3^rd in SEC Red/Region 5 wins, then crossing the line in 14^th at MIS. Had Keira ended the season where she began, Pioneer’s title bid would’ve likely been unfulfilled. Through her in-season improvement, Keira and her purple-clad crew were able to become state champions.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Savannah Staton	17:57.6	Saline	153.8	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
10	Savannah Staton	17:55.0	Saline	153.7	Region 5	25-Oct	2025
10	Savannah Staton	18:39.3	Saline	146.9	SEC Championship	16-Oct	2025
10	Savannah Staton	18:56.1	Saline	144.6	Portage	4-Oct	2025
10	Savannah Staton	18:13.7	Saline	152.1	SEC Red 2	25-Sep	2025
10	Savannah Staton	18:21.4	Saline	148.6	Jackson	20-Sep	2025
10	Savannah Staton	18:48.5	Saline	141.2	Huron	13-Sep	2025
10	Savannah Staton	18:42.7	Saline	142.4	SEC 1	9-Sep	2025
10	Savannah Staton	18:56.4	Saline	139.5	Bath	6-Sep	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Savannah Staton	18:32.2	Saline	142.9	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
9	Savannah Staton	19:06.8	Saline	133.1	Region 5	26-Oct	2024
9	Savannah Staton	18:40.6	Saline	144.8	SEC Championship	17-Oct	2024
9	Savannah Staton	18:55.2	Saline	140.3	Portage	5-Oct	2024
9	Savannah Staton	19:07.4	Saline	143.2	SEC Red 2	24-Sep	2024
9	Savannah Staton	18:27.8	Saline	148.4	Jackson	21-Sep	2024
9	Savannah Staton	18:54.8	Saline	150.4	SEC 1	10-Sep	2024
9	Savannah Staton	18:55.7	Saline	147.8	Bath	7-Sep	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:55
800m – 2:13
1600m – 4:57
3200m – 10:29
5k (Track) – 17:31

Accolades

XC

16^th Place – Division 1 State
4^th Place – Region 5
4^th Place – SEC Red Championship

Track

6^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
4^th Place – Division 1 State 4×8
2^nd Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 4×8
4^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR
6^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 3200m

You Know I Dig Improvement

From cross to track, season to season, Savannah gives hints of what’s to come, a bounding improvement that’s consistently marked her career. During her freshman fall, potential was evident on a few occasions, namely mid-18 efforts at Jackson and at MIS. That potential was partially realized during the next track season, where Staton was one of nine freshmen girls to slip under 11:00 in the 3200m. Full realization happened this past year, when Savannah gave us two sub-18 performances to close her XC schedule, the latter of which being a 16^th spot at State. Even fuller realization came on the oval, where that positive momentum at the tail end of the fall became a 10:29 for the 3200m. A nearly 30 sec. drop in one year, while already operating at an extremely high level, what can it possibly mean? Given Savannah’s history, leaping from level to level between seasons, the answer is full of intrigue and promise.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
11	Bryce Cahoon	15:51.9	Shepherd	197.0	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	16:02.4	Shepherd	194.9	D2 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	15:48.2	Shepherd	197.9	Region 15	24-Oct	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	19:59.6	Shepherd	115.8	Northern Michigan MOC	18-Oct	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	16:03.0	Shepherd	193.7	JPC 3	15-Oct	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	16:25.4	Shepherd	186.5	Oiler Blue & Gold	11-Oct	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	16:08.9	Shepherd	191.7	JPC 2	1-Oct	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	15:47.3	Shepherd	204.9	Bluejay	27-Sep	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	15:57.0	Shepherd	196.7	VSV	20-Sep	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	17:29.7	Shepherd	189.8	JPC 1	17-Sep	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	16:35.3	Shepherd	190.9	Lansing Catholic	11-Sep	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	15:43.0	Shepherd	210.0	John Bruder Classic	3-Sep	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	16:00.9	Shepherd	198.7	Saranac	27-Aug	2025
11	Bryce Cahoon	16:48.7	Shepherd	200.4	Early Season Warrior	19-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:36.8	Shepherd	182.4	MITCA	9-Nov	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:50.1	Shepherd	177.3	Division 2 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	15:53.6	Shepherd	197.8	Region 15	25-Oct	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:53.5	Shepherd	174.2	Northern Mich. Meet of Champions	19-Oct	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:06.9	Shepherd	195.7	Portage	5-Oct	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	15:56.3	Shepherd	198.2	JPC 2	2-Oct	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:17.8	Shepherd	192.4	Bluejay	28-Sep	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	15:40.5	Shepherd	202.5	VSV	21-Sep	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:17.0	Shepherd	203.7	JPC 1	18-Sep	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:51.3	Shepherd	190.6	Lansing Catholic	12-Sep	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	15:42.6	Shepherd	209.5	John Bruder Classic	4-Sep	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:39.1	Shepherd	196.0	Saranac	28-Aug	2024
10	Bryce Cahoon	16:34.6	Shepherd	206.8	Early Season Warrior	20-Aug	2024
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Bryce Cahoon	15:59.4	Shepherd	193.2	MITCA	11-Nov	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:38.3	Shepherd	181.2	Division 2 State	4-Nov	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:06.6	Shepherd	190.8	Region 15	27-Oct	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	17:00.1	Shepherd	178.3	Northern Michigan Championship	21-Oct	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:59.8	Shepherd	194.4	Jack Pine 3	18-Oct	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:12.9	Shepherd	192.7	Portage	7-Oct	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:40.2	Shepherd	180.6	Bluejay	30-Sep	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:09.7	Shepherd	191.8	Cadillac	23-Sep	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:25.7	Shepherd	188.1	Lansing Catholic	14-Sep	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:22.4	Shepherd	194.2	John Bruder Classic	7-Sep	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:24.7	Shepherd	190.4	Saranac	30-Aug	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:19.6	Shepherd	196.8	Under the Lights v2	25-Aug	2023
9	Bryce Cahoon	16:58.0	Shepherd	191.3	Early Season Warrior	22-Aug	2023

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:40
1600m – 4:22
3200m – 9:17

Accolades

XC

JPC Champion
4^th Place – Region 15
31^st Place – Division 2 State
3x Top-7 – Region 15

Track

JPC 800m/1600m Champion
2^nd Place – JPC 3200m
3^rd Place – Region 11 1600m
17^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR

His Breakout Race

Was probably this spring’s Bluejay Elite 3200m. Throughout his three years donning a Shepherd uniform, Bryce had racked up many accomplishments. Jack Pine Champion, state qualifier, sub-16 on many occasions. He’d moved up high on many Shepherd lists, finding himself in the top-10 all-time for the 1600m, 3200m, and in cross. Following a February where he unleashed a 9:24 to win the 3200m at Distance Fest, the Bluejay 3200m record was in sight. Two months and change later, Bryce was able to give his best effort, his 9:17.51 within a third of a second of the vaunted Caleb Rhynard’s mark. Evidence that progress has been made, but just a little motivation to conquer his senior year. Given Rhynard’s exploits (State Champ and FootLocker qualifier), Bryce is in rarefied air.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:31
800m – 1:59
Mile – 4:19
3200m – 9:23

Accolades

XC

3^rd Place – Region 5
5^th Place – KLAA Championship
36^th Place – Division 1 State

Track

12^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
5^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 3200m
15^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
Region 7 3200m Champion
4^th Place – KLAA Championship 1600m
7^th Place – KLAA Championship 3200m

His Breakout Race

Was sort of hidden in the 2025 track season, but it was part of the moment that Algahmi positioned himself as one of the better youngsters in the state, one with worlds of potential. Mourad closed his cross season on a high level, breaking into the 15’s after a season spent in the mid-16’s. Track had been exceptional, as Algahmi competed in both the 1600m and 3200m at Indoor State, then qualified for both outdoor. His 1600m qualifier gave him the opportunity to shine, as Mourad dropped a 4:24.71 at East Kentwood. That mark was the 2^nd fastest of any 9^th grader in the race and ranked him 3^rd amongst all Michigan freshmen. The momentum continued into his sophomore year, where he was a consistent sub-16 performer throughout the fall and earned a medal for the 3200m indoors.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:24
800m – 1:58
1600m – 4:23
3200m – 9:39

Accolades

XC

13^th Place – Division 2 State
2x All-State
2024 Team State Champion
2x Region 11 Champion

Track

24^th Place – Division 2 State 1600m
25^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
2025 Division 2 State 4×8 Champion

His Breakout Race

Came at a time when Allendale most needed him. The ’24 Falcons were stacked, numerous runners in the 15’s, 16’s. Thoughts of a state title permeating their entire summer and season. Mason was projected to be a contributor, as he was coming off a 9^th grade year where he closed cross in the mid-16’s then pumped out multiple quick quarters on the oval. The speed and talent were evident and fully realized during the 2024 championship season. The big breakthrough came at Region 11, when Mason dropped over 30 sec. from his personal best to take the win. The next race at State built off that, another tiny time drop to 15:24, but most importantly a vital 13^th place finish on the Falcon title squad.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:19
800m – 1:59
1600m – 4:20

Accolades

XC

7^th Place – Division 2 State
2^nd Place – Region 12
3^rd Place – OK White Conference Championship
2x Top-6 – Region 12

Track

6^th Place – Division 2 State 4×8
27^th Place – Division 2 State 1600m
3^rd Place – OK White Championship 1600m

His Breakout Race

Micah has been running at a high level for so long that it’s almost impossible to pick out ONE moment that stands out. A few come to mind from his freshman campaign, such as his 4:29 closer at Distance Night or the first sub-16’s to end his 9^th grade fall. While those performances popped at the freshman level, he reached a new one this past fall, particularly at the midseason mark. The Pioneers had raced sparingly prior to Bluejay, which meant there were plenty of reserves and pent-up energy for a big one. Becker produced a huge one, dropping a 15:33 and placing 9^th in the elite field. That day on the Shepherd course gave way to more great performances down the line, including a 7^th place D2 finish and another personal best to close the season out (15:19). Taking a peek at the EGR schedule, seeing that they’ll be at Shepherd again, and I know Micah will be ready for another advance.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:20
800m – 1:58
1600m – 4:20
3200m – 9:11

Accolades

XC

16^th Place – Division 1 State
2x All-State
2^nd Place – OK Red Championship
4^th Place – Region 4

Track

9^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
4^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 3200m
2^nd Place – OK Red Conference 3200m
2^nd Place – Region 3 3200m

His Breakout Race

Season in, season out, the guy is consistent. We saw it this past year, where every effort was the equivalent of a sub-16. We’ve seen it the past two track seasons, where Justin has qualified for D1 State in the 3200m, running his fastest times at season’s end. But there’s a point before he’s gotten to this point, way back to his sophomore fall. Back when Johnson was only running above 16, as he had all year even through late October. Until the State Finals, where the then 10^th grader busted through into the 15’s, dropping over 25 sec. from his previous best. His 15:41 earned him a spot on the medal stand and established the standard that he’s carried to this day, and will hopefully carry onto his senior year.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:13
800m – 1:56
1600m – 4:16
3200m – 9:20
5k (Track) – 14:58

Accolades

XC

5^th Place – Division 2 State
Division 2 Team State Champion
Region 15 Champion
SVL Champion

Track

4^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
7^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 800m
SVL 3200m Champion
2^nd Place – Region 20 1600m

His Breakout Race

Just as Bluejay was the day for Becker, the same occurred for Naswell. Lennox had already done a standup job of positioning himself as one of the state’s better sophomores. He’d broken through into the 15’s late in his freshman fall. He’d qualified for the 1600m and 3200m the previous spring, even placing at D2 State with his Powers 4×8 team. He’d won everything in sight throughout the first half of the season. The real break and time reduction came at Bluejay. The Elite race was a test for both Powers, hoping to set themselves as the D2 favorite, and for Naswell, to prove his winning streak was no fluke. Both succeeded, as Powers won the meet and Lennox dropped a 15:13 (20+ sec. PR), setting the stage for his championship season heroics.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:27
800m – 1:55
1600m – 4:13
3200m – 9:14

Accolades

XC

22^nd Place – Division 1 State
2x All-State
2^nd Place – Region 3
2^nd Place – SMAC Championship (2025 Champion)

Track

4^th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
Region 3 1600m/3200m Champion
SMAC 1600m/3200m Champion
11^th Place – Division 1 State 4×8

His Breakout Race

Sam’s been a kid who can excel in a ton of surroundings. This was shown early in his career, running 4:24 for the full mile as a freshman and earlier in that year, breaking 16:00 late. Further examples came during his shortened sophomore season, where he came out swinging out of the gates and never let up, walking out of MIS with a 14^th place finish. Track has been a spot where he’s especially found new heights, with one major breakthrough that has precipitated his greatness these past few seasons. That came at Barnyard in April of ’25. Coming into Romeo, Baker was the owner of a 4:22 personal best in the 1600m. Faced with adverse conditions, weather delays, and every reason NOT to run fast, Baker did just the opposite, popping a 4:13. Since that day, he’s racked up another medal in the fall and matched that performance with a 4^th place finish in Rockford. Throw anything his way and you’ll get a positive response.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:33
800m – 2:00
1600m – 4:20
3200m – 9:10

Accolades

XC

8^th Place – Division 2 State
2^nd Place – OK White Championship
2^nd Place – Region 11

Track

2^nd Place – Division 2 State 3200m
Region 13 1600m Champion
OK White 1600m Champion

His Breakout Race

Mitchell had been patiently biding his time throughout the years, gradually making improvements, whittling time down. And then boom, he had arrived. His career began inauspiciously, above 20:00 for the first few races, then by the end of his 9^th grade season he was able to sneak into the 17’s. A year passed and late in his sophomore championship season, he’d found his way into the low-16’s on multiple occasions. Track had followed this same pattern, getting better, but nothing out of the ordinary. 2025’s eye-popping opener at Michigan Catholic was out of the ordinary. One of the tougher courses in the state, typically on a warm August day, Mitchell was able to race to a 16:19 (44 sec. course PB). That mark was one that could find him as one of D2’s best, which he continued to prove all year, ending in a 8^th place finish in November. It kept playing out in track and all signs point to the trend staying in this next season.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:34
1600m – 4:21
3200m – 9:08
5k (Track) – 15:31

Accolades

XC

21^st Place – Division 1 State
3^rd Place – Region 4
4^th Place – SEC Red Championship

Track

17^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
2^nd Place – Region 4 3200m
2^nd Place – SEC Red Championship 3200m

His Breakout Race

Coen’s quick rise lends itself to many examples coming forth. Three stand out to me – all at the same place, all representing a new level he’d find himself at. Hill always runs well at Jackson. The Ella Sharp track was home to his first sub-19 ever as a freshman, a time range he’d stay at for the rest of that ’23 season. A year later, he’d grown tremendously, all the way down into the 16’s, where he closed his 10^th grade season. This past fall, that late September setting was where Coen truly established himself in the upper reaches of D1. A 15:42 placed 11^th amongst the deep D1 field and set the stage for a championship season where he’d hang in races with all those big dogs. I’m sure in just under two months, we’ll receive another gem.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 15:18
800m – 2:00
1600m – 4:14
3200m – 9:11

Accolades

XC

23^rd Place – Division 1 State
RCA Conference Champion
8^th Place – Region 3

Track

11^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
RCA Conference 800m/1600m Champion
4^th Place – RCA Conference 3200m
5^th Place – Region 3 1600m

His Breakout Race

An easy selection could showcase the manner in which Marshall sprung onto the scene as a sophomore. After closing his first season with a string of mid-17’s, the then Lowell sophomore ripped the bandage off with a 16:19 opener, paving the course for a sophomore season where he’d flirt with breaking 16:00. That time never came, it’d just have to wait. Though when it arrived, he embraced every last bit of it. Another great opener came at Portage Central, but the real advancement came a week later at Under the Lights. His 15:27 placed 2^nd in the race and was the springboard for many superb races, including a 23^rd place in Brooklyn. His season-to-season drops are stupendous and we’re ready to see one more.

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!

2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020

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	Lucia Lachapelle	19:30.9	Northville	122.7	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	18:39.9	Northville	142.0	Region 7	25-Oct	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	18:53.8	Northville	136.7	KLAA Championship	16-Oct	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	19:14.7	Northville	138.4	Portage	4-Oct	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	18:45.7	Northville	140.4	VSV	20-Sep	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	19:45.6	Northville	136.8	Spartan	12-Sep	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	19:00.3	Northville	138.2	Bath	6-Sep	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	19:40.4	Northville	136.5	Northville Mustang	26-Aug	2025
11	Lucia Lachapelle	18:47.8	Northville	156.4	Lamplighter	15-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Lucia Lachapelle	20:08.0	Northville	111.0	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	20:18.5	Northville	110.5	Region 6	26-Oct	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	20:15.2	Northville	112.9	KLAA Championship	17-Oct	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	20:18.7	Northville	114.8	River Rat Open	11-Oct	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	20:33.0	Northville	107.7	Portage	5-Oct	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	20:47.9	Northville	101.7	Jackson	21-Sep	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	21:04.0	Northville	109.0	Spartan	13-Sep	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	20:56.1	Northville	110.6	Tri of the Year	10-Sep	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	21:28.1	Northville	97.0	Bath	7-Sep	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	21:49.7	Northville	101.8	Mustang	27-Aug	2024
10	Lucia Lachapelle	21:01.8	Northville	106.1	Lamplighter	23-Aug	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:39
1600m – 5:04
3200m – 10:48
5k (Track) – 17:31

Accolades

XC

3^rd Place – Region 7
7^th Place – KLAA Championship

Track

MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR Champion
20^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
2^nd Place – KLAA Championship 3200m
2^nd Place – Region 6 3200m
3^rd Place – Region 6 1600m
4^th Place – KLAA Championship 1600m

Her Specialty

Improvement from year to year, season to season. I mean, just look at the time chasms. As a sophomore, Lucia’s efforts were in the 20-21 min. range. A year later, the 19’s with a few dropping into the 18’s (my very rough estimate has, on average, a 1:30 difference between the years). Season to season however is why she’s included on this list. Even her racing at a high level this fall, that was taken to another level in the spring. Lucia was sub-11 on four occasions during the regular season and closed the year with a 10:53 in the New Balance Outdoor 2 Mile. Times such as those indicate a much higher level of fitness, one that can translate to greater time jumps this fall.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:18.9	Olivet	148.4	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:32.2	Olivet	142.3	D3 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:41.8	Olivet	139.7	Region 23	24-Oct	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:17.4	Olivet	144.5	CAAC White 3	15-Oct	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:41.7	Olivet	140.8	Greater Lansing	11-Oct	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:36.9	Olivet	139.7	Country Mill Classic	7-Oct	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:59.2	Olivet	145.6	CAAC White 2	30-Sep	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:47.7	Olivet	143.4	DeWitt	27-Sep	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:55.5	Olivet	137.2	Jackson	20-Sep	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	18:48.6	Olivet	142.8	CAAC White 1	16-Sep	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	19:27.5	Olivet	142.8	Spartan	12-Sep	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	19:29.1	Olivet	124.6	Homer	6-Sep	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	19:48.4	Olivet	119.2	Marauder	3-Sep	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	19:15.1	Olivet	133.0	Barney Roy	26-Aug	2025
10	Tiya Feldpausch	19:47.2	Olivet	132.6	Under the Lights	22-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Tiya Feldpausch	20:06.2	Olivet	110.3	Division 3 State	2-Nov	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	20:03.4	Olivet	112.2	Region 21	26-Oct	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	20:00.7	Olivet	114.1	CAAC White 3	17-Oct	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	19:52.9	Olivet	116.7	Gabriel Richard	12-Oct	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	20:39.8	Olivet	97.7	Olivet Pink	5-Oct	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	20:33.7	Olivet	106.1	DeWitt	28-Sep	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	21:09.2	Olivet	105.6	Lansing Catholic	12-Sep	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	21:14.9	Olivet	94.0	Centreville	7-Sep	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	21:26.5	Olivet	93.8	Marauder	4-Sep	2024
9	Tiya Feldpausch	21:46.4	Olivet	91.5	Under the Lights	23-Aug	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:17
800m – 2:19
1600m – 5:05
2 Mile – 10:51

Accolades

XC

5^th Place – Division 3 State
CAAC White Champion
2^nd Place – Region 23
6^th Place – Greater Lansing

Track

2^nd Place – Division 3 State 3200m
3^rd Place – Division 3 State 1600m
4^th Place – Division 3 State 800m
6^th Place – Division 3 State 4×8

Her Specialty

Laying it all on the line at the State Finals. That would be the case in either cross or track. Both of her MIS appearances involved a continuation of the good things she had going throughout the year. Her freshman version was the culmination of a streak of low-20/high-19 efforts. This past November, a 5^th place finish and one of her better times from the ’25 season. The real effort and energy came from the D3 Track Finals, where Feldpausch contributed to 22 of Olivet’s 82 points. Tiya’s efforts were much needed, as her Eagles won the title by a mere 6 points. A selfless effort by one of the more talented juniors in the state.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Avery Engbers	18:05.0	Holland Christian	151.7	D2 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:04.8	Holland Christian	154.4	Region 11	25-Oct	2025
10	Avery Engbers	17:49.7	Holland Christian	156.8	OK Black Championship	15-Oct	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:29.6	Holland Christian	153.5	Portage	4-Oct	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:24.0	Holland Christian	152.7	OK Black 2	1-Oct	2025
10	Avery Engbers	17:59.5	Holland Christian	153.2	Otsego Bulldog	27-Sep	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:28.1	Holland Christian	148.6	Chargers Autumn Sunrise	20-Sep	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:30.4	Holland Christian	157.9	OK Black 1	17-Sep	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:21.3	Holland Christian	151.2	Ottawa Hills	12-Sep	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:50.4	Holland Christian	146.2	Bredeweg	6-Sep	2025
10	Avery Engbers	18:38.9	Holland Christian	151.7	Under the Lights v2	22-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Avery Engbers	18:10.3	Holland Christian	150.2	Division 2 State	2-Nov	2024
9	Avery Engbers	18:17.2	Holland Christian	147.6	Region 11	26-Oct	2024
9	Avery Engbers	18:11.7	Holland Christian	148.8	OK Black Conference	16-Oct	2024
9	Avery Engbers	18:56.2	Holland Christian	139.9	Portage	5-Oct	2024
9	Avery Engbers	18:53.9	Holland Christian	142.4	OK Black 2	2-Oct	2024
9	Avery Engbers	18:59.7	Holland Christian	135.5	Otsego Bulldog	28-Sep	2024
9	Avery Engbers	19:27.0	Holland Christian	134.3	Cougar Falcon	21-Sep	2024
9	Avery Engbers	19:27.9	Holland Christian	146.0	OK Black 1	18-Sep	2024
9	Avery Engbers	19:25.9	Holland Christian	132.0	Ottawa Hills	13-Sep	2024
9	Avery Engbers	20:05.1	Holland Christian	120.3	Bredeweg	7-Sep	2024
9	Avery Engbers	19:30.9	Holland Christian	131.0	Under the Lights v2	23-Aug	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:49
1600m – 5:07
3200m – 10:59

Accolades

XC

6^th Place – Division 2 State
2x All-State
2025 Team State Champion
Region 11 Champion
2^nd Place – OK Black Championship

Track

7^th Place – Division 2 State 1600m
10^th Place – Division 2 State 3200m
3x All-State
Region 12 1600m/3200m Champion

Her Specialty

Being consistent in the late season. We have two years of evidence, both in cross and track, that Avery can handle the big stage. At the D2 Track Finals, she’s toed the line four times, earning a medal on three of those occasions. Season bests occurred twice, and even her medal stand miss was in line with previous performances. The pattern holds as well during the fall months, as Engbers was a consistent low-18 performer as a freshman, then a regional winner that backed it up with nearly the same mark as a sophomore. On a team as high level as the Maroons, a reliable frontrunner is necessary.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:18
800m – 2:19
1600m – 5:02
3200m – 10:52

Accolades

XC

Region 18 Champion
27^th Place – Division 2 State (2025)
2^nd Place – SEC White Championship
2^nd Place – Lenawee County Championship

Track

5^th Place – Division 2 State 1600m
6^th Place – Division 2 State 3200m
10^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 3200m
21^st Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m
SEC White 3200m Champion
Lenawee County 800m Champion

Her Specialty

Picking herself back off the mat. After a disappointing 40^th place at the 2025 State Finals, Skeels could’ve definitely spent the winter pouting on the couch, not training. Instead she did just the opposite, first racing at MITCA, then finding a tiny PR at the Indoor State Finals. Her 11:10 in early March turned into a 10:52 at Bluejay. From there, the momentum kept rolling, all the way to two podium finishes at the D2 Finals (one of three girls to medal in both the 1600m/3200m), her first individual All-States on the oval. There’s still more redemption at hand and Ayda is surely ready for it.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Julia Bambach	18:16.9	Holly	149.0	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
10	Julia Bambach	18:23.3	Holly	145.2	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
10	Julia Bambach	18:38.4	Holly	139.5	Region 2	25-Oct	2025
10	Julia Bambach	19:00.9	Holly	137.0	FML 3	15-Oct	2025
10	Julia Bambach	20:17.5	Holly	128.2	Oakland County	4-Oct	2025
10	Julia Bambach	19:39.1	Holly	128.6	Bluejay	27-Sep	2025
10	Julia Bambach	20:05.0	Holly	131.0	FML 2	24-Sep	2025
10	Julia Bambach	19:30.3	Holly	136.9	Holly	13-Sep	2025
10	Julia Bambach	19:36.3	Holly	126.3	Bath	6-Sep	2025
10	Julia Bambach	20:14.3	Holly	113.6	FML 1	3-Sep	2025
10	Julia Bambach	20:25.0	Holly	116.3	Birch Run Early	21-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Julia Bambach	22:25.4	Holly	70.5	Region 4	26-Oct	2024
9	Julia Bambach	22:51.6	Holly	65.1	FML 3	16-Oct	2024
9	Julia Bambach	24:10.4	Holly	46.2	Oakland County	5-Oct	2024
9	Julia Bambach	23:26.5	Holly	50.8	Bluejay	28-Sep	2024
9	Julia Bambach	23:49.1	Holly	46.0	FML 2	25-Sep	2024
9	Julia Bambach	21:45.3	Holly	80.2	VSV	21-Sep	2024
9	Julia Bambach	23:31.7	Holly	59.4	Holly	14-Sep	2024
9	Julia Bambach	22:43.4	Holly	71.9	Bath	7-Sep	2024
9	Julia Bambach	23:18.2	Holly	56.6	FML 1	4-Sep	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:16
1600m – 5:00
3200m – 10:46

Accolades

XC

32^nd Place – Division 1 State
8^th Place – Region 2
16^th Place – Oakland County

Track

9^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
Region 9 3200m Champion
FML 1600m Champion
17^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State 1600m

Her Specialty

The longer the distance, the greater her abilities grow. We saw an inkling of this back in ’25, when Julia exploded onto the scene during the final few races of the cross season. Further evidence came during track, as Bambach excelled in the 3200m. The first big break came at Distance Fest, where she ripped apart her previous PR (12:31), nearly breaking 11 with an 11:01. It took awhile to find that form once more, but she was able to summon personal bests at both Region 9 (win) and the D1 Finals (9^th place), establishing herself as one of the better endurance-based athletes in Michigan.

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Charlotte Jones	18:29.7	Rochester	144.8	MITCA	8-Nov	2025
10	Charlotte Jones	18:12.8	Rochester	148.7	D1 State Finals	1-Nov	2025
10	Charlotte Jones	18:24.3	Rochester	144.2	Region 8	24-Oct	2025
10	Charlotte Jones	18:46.9	Rochester	141.4	OAA Red Championship	16-Oct	2025
10	Charlotte Jones	19:55.4	Rochester	135.5	Oakland County	4-Oct	2025
10	Charlotte Jones	19:13.9	Rochester	132.0	Hansons	27-Sep	2025
10	Charlotte Jones	19:48.7	Rochester	128.4	OAA Red 1	10-Sep	2025
10	Charlotte Jones	19:16.3	Rochester	131.2	Golden Grizzlies	29-Aug	2025
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Charlotte Jones	18:59.8	Rochester	133.7	Division 1 State	2-Nov	2024
9	Charlotte Jones	18:56.7	Rochester	132.4	Region 8	25-Oct	2024
9	Charlotte Jones	19:39.1	Rochester	122.3	OAA White League	17-Oct	2024
9	Charlotte Jones	19:53.2	Rochester	131.9	Oakland County	5-Oct	2024
9	Charlotte Jones	19:56.1	Rochester	120.0	Hansons	28-Sep	2024
9	Charlotte Jones	19:33.0	Rochester	126.7	Jackson	21-Sep	2024
9	Charlotte Jones	21:03.9	Rochester	104.4	OAA White 1	10-Sep	2024
9	Charlotte Jones	21:57.0	Rochester	108.0	Milford	29-Aug	2024

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:12
1600m – 5:05
3200m – 10:45

Accolades

XC

30^th Place – Division 1 State
4^th Place – Region 8
4^th Place – OAA Red Championship
10^th Place – Oakland County

Track

8^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
8^th Place – MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR
Region 8 3200m Champion
3^rd Place – Oakland County 1600m

Her Specialty

Clutch performances when it matters. Two State Finals, two unexpected medals. The first instance was at the D1 XC Finals. I had Jones pegged with a projection of 42^nd place and a 17% chance of hitting the podium. This was the continuation of a championship season filled with forward progress, one where she laid down personal bests in the OAA Red Championship, Region 8, and then at MIS, where her 18:12 gained her 30^th place. Track may have been an even greater chasm, as Jones entered the Rockford track with a 11:07 personal best. Then left the west side having dropped 22 seconds from that, nabbing the final All-State spot in the 3200m. She’s got more championship races to come over the next few years and more chances to prove her cool in the clutch.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:02
400m – 60.94
800m – 2:13
1600m – 4:56
3200m – 10:58

Accolades

XC

29^th Place – Division 1 State
4^th Place – Region 7
5^th Place – KLAA Championship
8^th Place – Oakland County

Track

5^th Place – Division 1 State 800m
7^th Place – Division 1 State 1600m
Oakland County 800m Champion
MITS/MITCA Indoor State DMR Champion
4x All-State

Her Specialty

Is that she doesn’t have just one specialty. Take track for example, where Egli placed 13^th in my All-Around Athlete list. Katelynn consistently competed in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m, ranking within the top-50 Michiganders in all of ‘em (the 800m and 1600m being in the top-15). Some say you lose your speed while distance running, Katelynn did not, sprinting to a 60.94 in the quarter. Some say you lose your explosiveness while distance running, Katelynn did not, leaping 4’ 10” in the high jump. She performed throughout the season with her Wildcat teammates, leading them to a state qualifier in the 4×8. And as a returning All-Stater, she can run cross as well. Throw Egli in anything.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:29
800m – 2:20
1600m – 5:07
3200m – 10:46
5k (Track) – 17:23

Accolades

XC

Region 1 Champion
OK Red Conference Champion
47^th Place – Division 1 State
3x State Qualifier

Track

3^rd Place – OK Red Conference 3200m
5^th Place – OK Red Conference 1600m
17^th Place – Division 1 State 4×8
8^th Place – 2025 Division 1 State 3200m

Her Specialty

Changing the direction of the Hudsonville program. I’m not on the team, I’m not there every day, but I know what I observe. I’ve observed Cassie improve a ton over her time with the Eagles, but also perform at a high-level while doing so. She’s been a 3x MIS qualifier and was reaching down into the 17’s on a few occasions last fall. In 2022, the season before she arrived, Hudsonville placed 7^th in Region 1 and 7^th of 8 in the OK Red. This past fall, she led her teammates to championships in both the OK Red and Region 1. Sure, talent has been added, but it’s clearly no coincidence that Cassie’s presence has coincided some of the better Hudsonville teams ever.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 18:04
1600m – 5:05
3200m – 10:46

Accolades

XC

3^rd Place – Holly (D1)
6^th Place – Bluejay (Elite)

Track

13^th Place – Division 1 State 3200m
2^nd Place – Region 9 3200m
5^th Place – Oakland County 1600m

Her Specialty

The 3200m and most likely, longer distances. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to witness a full fall from Moore, as her season was cut short after Bluejay. The early returns were a potential podium finisher, easily one of the better 9^th graders in Michigan. Those returns were realized in the spring, when Taryn was able to complete the entire season. The 3200m is where she made her mark, hovering around the 11 min. mark for much of April/May, before breaking through into the 10’s at Region 9 and at D1 State. An opportunity awaits this fall for Taryn to prove how she’s capable of competing with the state’s best.

Personal Records

5k (XC) – 17:44
800m – 2:16
Mile – 4:58
3200m – 10:24

Accolades

XC

2x Division 4 State Champion
3x All-State
3x Division 4 State Team Champion
3x MIAC Champion
3x Region 33 Champion

Track

Division 4 State 1600m Champion
2024/2025 Division 4 State 3200m Champion
2024 Division 4 State 4×8 Champion
9x All-State

Her Specialty

Winning Division 4 titles. Throughout her tenure at Whitmore Lake, she and her Trojan teammates have toed the MIS line three times. All three of those occasions have led to the Red n’ White hoisting the D4 team trophy. Over in Hudsonville for the Division 4 Track Finals, she’s competed individually in the 1600m/3200m each year. Each year, she’s won at least one of the two, this past spring finding her first 1600m title of the bunch. To be at this high level for three straight years, that has to be much responsibility and much on the mind. Here’s for a capper, done with the same style and grace as years past.