Blog

11 to 27

Rank	Team	Score
11	Oxford	538
12	Utica	579
13	Midland Dow	599
14	Rochester	632
15	Dexter	677
16	Fraser	689
17	Ann Arbor Pioneer	726
18	Forest Hills Central	764
19	Bay City Western	782
20	White Lake Lakeland	786
21	Walled Lake Northern	827
22	Ann Arbor Skyline	853
23	Farmington	859
24	Hudsonville	884
25	Brownstown Woodhaven	930
26	Byron Center	953
27	Jenison	1003

Overall Landscape

Rank	Team	2023 State Place	Scoring Returners	Varsity Returners
1	Romeo	State Champion	5 of 5	6 of 7
2	Holland West Ottawa	3rd	5 of 5	7 of 7
3	Saline	5th	3 of 5	5 of 7
4	Rockford	16th	4 of 5	6 of 7
5	Grand Haven	7th	4 of 5	5 of 7
6	Traverse City West	10th	4 of 5	6 of 7
7	Hartland	DNQ	7 of 7	7 of 7
8	Brighton	4th	3 of 5	4 of 7
9	Northville	6th	4 of 5	6 of 7
10	Portage Central	28th	3 of 5	5 of 7

I wanted to change things up a bit regarding the Top Ten Teams. Over the past two summers, this has been a solid feature in the hype department, giving highlight to many kids on superb teams. One aspect I’ve felt that I’ve lacked is explaining how each team relates in comparison to others. I’ll attempt to do that here!

Included features are:

Strengths – characteristics making that team a contender.
Question Marks – any person or team that I write about here, I’m 100% confident you’ll shore up this “weaker” spot by year’s end. But this is a section that’ll look into why a team could be beat.
Looking Ahead – how the team might fare in their championship meets (conference, county, regional, state)

#1 Romeo

Strengths

Five girls that broke 11:00 for the 3200m in track. Six girls that were under 5:20 in the 1600m. Six girls that were sub-19 last year. And championship experience, knowing that performing adequately at MIS is in the cards, the Bulldogs placing 2^nd in 2022 and winning last year.

Question Marks

Will there be any contribution beyond those six? Yes, five are needed to score and six give insurance in case of an injury. One more in addition could be a dose of added security. Reese Rosbolt might not be on the level of the top-six, but she’s on her path there. 5:40/12:10 in track for the now sophomore.

Looking Ahead

I believe you have to go back to 2015 to find the last Romeo team that didn’t win the Macomb County crown. The Bulldogs look to make it 9 straight Macomb titles as they ramp it up for a run at another state title. Region 9 should be a nice, stress-free tune-up as well.

#2 Holland West Ottawa

Strengths

Strength at every single spot, going all the way to seven. The Panthers are so deep that a girl like Jane Olney, who placed 40^th at State last year, might not even be a scorer. That’s fine, she or any other of these talented girls could push any other team’s scorers back. As always, depends on the course, but I could see a fast day where WO puts seven girls under 19:00. Also, copy that sentence about Romeo’s championship experience. 3^rd last year, winners in ’22, 2^nd in 2021, the Barnes duo knows how to get these girls ready.

Question Marks

It’s tough when comparing to Romeo. A strength compared to other teams in the division appears as a weakness when looking to the Bulldogs. A tiny area where the Panthers could move up is finding a girl to rein in the gap between Helen Sachs and the rest of their pack. Ava Porras had some off races last year, but when she was on, she was able to run in the low-18’s.

Looking Ahead

Excited to see the Panthers head down to Indiana to compete at FlashRock. Last year’s race was won by Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran (Zach Panning’s alma mater), their top-five averaging 18:34. Racing against the non-typical teams can help a team find a new racing level. And road trips are always fun. Of course, the Panthers are favorites in the OK Red and Region 1.

#3 Saline

Strengths

Depth, depth, and more depth. One of the better middle school programs in the State makes sure the Hornets are well-stocked with talent. And the high school program, close-knit, keeps them all available when needed. Last fall, Saline placed 12 girls under 21:00, with only three as seniors. Add in a few talented freshmen and the pot stays full.

Question Marks

Can the freshmen girls adjust to the high school level? One early point of comparison is their 3 Mile Time Trial. If the a.net list is accurate, both girls (Staton and Jones) placed in the top-20 of Saline girls who’ve competed at it over the years.

Looking Ahead

The SEC just means more and winning that league may spur the Hornets to a podium spot. Pioneer graduated a ton (and Ann Arbor middle schools aren’t on a.net, impossible to figure out who they’re adding), a great opportunity for these Hornets to stake their claim in the league. And perhaps Region 5, where Saline seems to be the favorite.

#4 Rockford

Strengths

Depth going seven deep. If I had released this three days prior, I’d had said six deep. The transfer of Morgan Sanders from Cedar Springs adds a freshman who’s already run in the low-20’s. Coming into the season, I had Natalie Lewis as the Rams’ 6^th girl. She just dropped 20 seconds from her previous PC Early Bird best, running 19:58.

Question Marks

How can the Rams handle the big stage? Last year’s team spent the season ranked between 11^th and 14^th, placed 3^rd in the Region and OK Red, then 16^th at State. A solid season, one that many teams would gladly accept. Early returns from Portage say they’ll be fine, championship season is another animal.

Looking Ahead

We already received a bit of a gift from the Ram win at Portage Central. Wait until September 10^th in the first OK Red Jamboree and they face off against West Ottawa. It’ll be the first of a season full of big-time matchups, culminating in the OK Red, Region 1, and hopefully, MIS.

#5 Grand Haven

Strengths

Solid all the way through four. Valerie Beeck is a known quantity (but judging by the PC Early Bird, perhaps she’s moved up a bit?). Abi Albright closed her junior year with sub-20’s in her final five races. I really loved the way Addy Smith ended things as well, continually reaching lower and lower, culminating in a 18:34 at MITCA.

Question Marks

What can go down beyond the established four? At Portage Central, there was an 80 sec. gap between the Bucs’ 4^th and 5^th girls. But I’ll expect that either of the Frendts will have more in the tank, each getting into the 20’s last year.

Looking Ahead

The above Rockford laid down a great hand on Friday. West Ottawa we know will be there. Both Region 1 and the OK Red will leave these girls callused, yet stronger.

#6 Traverse City West

Strengths

Scoring possibilities from all of their top seven. Last fall, the Titans had eight girls run under 20 minutes for the 5k. Their ninth girl was slightly above that mark at 20:09. They graduate exactly one girl from that top nine. The Green n’ Gold also add a Leighton Basile who ran in the 12’s and in the top-10 in every one of her 8^th grade races.

Question Marks

The Titans will be able to push many other scorers in the middle of packs, but in large invites, will be scoring sums of points through all five spots. Can any of the girls sit up there in the front of major packs? Abby Veit and Tessa Mascari look to be getting there. Veit showed range in track, spitting out a 2:19 and 11:36. Mascari mastered the 1600m, dealing a 5:20 as a freshman. And both were first in the TC Time Trial.

Looking Ahead

The Big North is there for the taking once again, the Titans going for a three peat. Unfortunate circumstances led to TCW not winning Region 2 last year. Early looks point to another close competition and TCW coming out ahead. We’ll see!

#7 Hartland

Strengths

Possibilities of greatness. I’m sure I’ve said this in other Top Tens, here you go again. Freshman have a higher chance of exceeding expectations or falling below them. The Ore Creek MS girls dominated both Zone 4 and the KLAA last year, now a few of them are up here running for the Eagles.

Question Marks

Can the youth handle the grind of an entire season? The KLAA is no joke. The Eagles’ projected top seven has two girls in 11^th grade or above.

Looking Ahead

Being a little farther up the road north, Hartland will travel to Greater Flint. A rare cross-division intriguing matchup! Goodrich is the type of D2 team that could compete in D1, and those Martians will be a good measuring stick for Hartland.

#8 Brighton

Strengths

Two girls in the 50 Tickets (Lydia LaMarra and Elle Bissett) means that the Bulldogs will be right up there with the state’s best through two.

Question Marks

What can be done about the gap between the above two and the rest of the Brighton girls? One positive aspect of this great program is their numbers. Year after year, one of the bigger teams in Michigan. There is much to draw on. Projected summer numbers have at least a minute gap between LaMarra and the rest. Maizie Cavanaugh would be a great candidate of cutting into that distance, having shown significant improvement in the spring, her 5:20 1600m was almost a 20 sec. time drop from 2023.

Looking Ahead

Do you ever wish there was a Livingston County meet? Or an Ann Arbor area championship? I feel those would be intriguing meets that build up to State. Anyhow, Region 4 will serve as a combo of both, pulling in Dexter, Skyline, Hartland, and other teams. The Bulldogs are predicted to be underdogs to Hartland. We’ll find out if that’s true in a tri on October 8^th.

#9 Northville

Strengths

A solid top-two. Cassie Garcia will of course, likely hold down the top spot. Colette Lozo comes of a freshman year where she broke 19:00 late, then turning in a track season where she qualified for State in the 800m.

Question Marks

The 4^th and 5^th spots. In a run of the mill league, the Mustangs would probably skate by. In the ultra-tough KLAA, those back end spots could be significant. Will be a major help if two girls can step up and consistently hit in the mid-19’s. Late last fall, Rosie Gregory, Annabelle Beloiu, and Mia Carson all proved they’re capable.

Looking Ahead

Two early tri’s will give us an ability to discern this Northville team’s ability. First on Sept. 10^th with Canton and Brighton, then the following week against Plymouth and Hartland. Does that accurately predict October and November? Perhaps yes, perhaps not, but will go a way towards winning the conference. Region 6 isn’t that KLAA-centric and appears to be a Northville win.

#10 Portage Central

Strengths

Oodles of young talent. Avery Scott, Gracie Carlisle, Julia Welc. Scott in particular could have an impact on the entire state. She only had one loss all year (Portage) and even moved up to the 5k at Region 3’s PROM. 18:49 on middle school training, can’t wait to see what she’s got when she gets to the big leagues.

Question Marks

The same as the young teams listed above. Racing from August 16^th to November 2^nd adds up, 11+ weeks of stress on the body. With potentially a majority of the Mustang lineup as freshmen or sophomores, they’ll have to be judicious on when to go to the well. Luckily, these girls are blessed with some experienced coaches that can impart wisdom along the way.

Looking Ahead

One hidden benefit of the Mustang schedule. Portage at home (obvs.), SMAC at home, Region 3 at home. Familiarity will be present during the key part of the year. The kids are favorites in Region 3 and the SMAC, large invites through the year should tell us how they compare to the rest of the state.

11 to 27

Rank	Team	Score
11	Saline	514
12	Plymouth	524
13	Portage Central	570
14	Traverse City Central	576
15	Highland-Milford	583
16	Oxford	615
17	Okemos	622
18	Forest Hills Central	654
19	Holland West Ottawa	694
20	Troy	759
21	Utica	784
22	Dexter	786
23	Macomb Dakota	813
24	White Lake Lakeland	835
25	Rockford	865
26	Rochester	886
27	Grandville	927

Overall Landscape

Rank	Team	2023 State Place	Scoring Returners	Varsity Returners
1	Northville	State Champion	3 of 5	5 of 7
2	Brighton	2nd	3 of 5	4 of 7
3	Kalamazoo Central	4th	4 of 5	5 of 7
4	Canton	5th	3 of 5	5 of 7
5	Jenison	7th	5 of 5	7 of 7
6	Ann Arbor Pioneer	6th	3 of 5	4 of 7
7	Grand Haven	3rd	3 of 5	5 of 7
8	Clarkston	8th	3 of 5	5 of 7
9	Livonia Churchill	16th	4 of 5	6 of 7
10	East Kentwood	24th	4 of 5	6 of 7

I wanted to change things up a bit regarding the Top Ten Teams. Over the past two summers, this has been a solid feature in the hype department, giving highlight to many kids on superb teams. One aspect I’ve felt that I’ve lacked is explaining how each team relates in comparison to others. I’ll attempt to do that here!

Included features are:

Strengths – characteristics making that team a contender.
Question Marks – any person or team that I write about here, I’m 100% confident you’ll shore up this “weaker” spot by year’s end. But this is a section that’ll look into why a team could be beat.
Looking Ahead – how the team might fare in their championship meets (conference, county, regional, state)

#1 Northville

Strengths

At any position in their lineup, some of the better runners comparable to other teams. For instance, their projected 6^th man is Ryan Stojov, a kid who went 2:01/4:24 in the spring. A luxury at a non-scoring spot that many teams would love to have.

Question Marks

Complacency, perhaps? I’d wager this isn’t a huge concern as the Mustangs were already favorites and defending champs, then won again. And the same is true in the 4×8, where they’ve handled being the defending victor with grace and fire.

Looking Ahead

This Northville squad is never fearful of sticking their necks out there. They’ve gone to Chicago and Roy Griak the past two years. This fall appears to be a greatest hits of the state’s best invites – Bath, Spartan, Portage. Northville will likely be headliners in each, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to defeat.

#2 Brighton

Strengths

Depth late in the lineup. The Bulldogs might not have the absolute front runners like they’ve had in years past, but they do have kids late in the game such as Tyler Outlaw (top-50 at State) and Zach Wyderko (4:28/9:51) rounding out their scorers.

Question Marks

Not as strong as some of the others up front. The Bulldogs have a likely All-Stater in Tyler Brock, they’re gonna need one another to match Northville. Though maybe a Blake Kulesza can slip into that slot? Blake had the 6^th best 3200m time of any D1 freshman in 2024.

Looking Ahead

I’m just over here thinking back to last year, where Brighton beat Northville at Portage and Spartan, took defeats at their KLAA dual and championship. The Bulldogs gave the Mustangs the stiffest test of anyone at D1 State. The same setup is here again – four team matchups before November, a Region 4 where Brighton is a heavy favorite, and likely, a D1 State Finals.

#3 Kalamazoo Central

Strengths

Experience in the middle of their pack. A kid such as Joseph Spada has hit the 16’s in each of his three seasons. Top-20 at Regionals each of the past two. Closed his regular season with an all-time best, 16:13 at State.

Question Marks

Prior to Friday, I would’ve said a low stick, however Andrew Wright answered the bell. His 16:07 win at the PC Early Bird was a 50 sec. improvement from his 2023 opener and nearly matched his personal best. Right now, I’ll say battling their patience. The Giants are always bringing their best material on regional day, the challenge will be to stay patient until that time.

Looking Ahead

It’s looking like another rivalry year between these Giants and Portage Central. KC can take solace in that they’ve won the past two regionals and last year’s SMAC trophy. Portage Central got the upper hand early. These contentions help in being great practice for when an East Kentwood and FHC invade in late October. Pre-season, KC may have been the favorite, perhaps that’ll change, perhaps they’ll be in their usual championship form.

#4 Canton

Strengths

Old and wise. Canton’s projected varsity runners are all upperclassmen. Most are seniors and even the ones that aren’t, Steven Dusseau and Aiden Pengelly were able to get valuable big-race experience last year.

Question Marks

Staying the course while battling the Brightons and Northvilles of the world. Two top teams in the same division may be disheartening to some, as most teams in this 4^th spot would win their league. Although perhaps Canton springs an upset and rides high going into Brooklyn?

Looking Ahead

For many of these, I’m looking to late October. For the Cobras, September 10^th. Cass Benton. Canton/Brighton/Northville. I have Tuesdays off work. See ya there.

#5 Jenison

Strengths

A senior class that’s grown together and ready to give it one last hurrah. Mason Lucas and Seth Conner have already been mentioned here. This past spring, Matthew Schwartz dropped 30+ seconds from his 3200m best. Parker Strelecki reached low into the 16’s last fall, running 16:14 twice. Dominic Otto made great strides in the 800m, nearly breaking 2-flat and earning a spot on the Wildcats sub-8 4×8. Like Schwartz, Andrew Wangler dropped significant time in his 3200m, 10:43 to 10:18.

Question Marks

Getting their 5^th runner into the low-16’s. The strength at the top of the division is so much that mid-16’s will push you back. Wenglikowski is looking like he has the potential to move into that spot. Right on the cusp of sub-10 on the track and just threw down a 16:56 opener, 2.5 minutes faster compared to 2023.

Looking Ahead

The Wildcats miss out on all the OK White and Red fireworks, instead compete in the OK Green. Heavy favorites there, Jenison should be able to go all out on the weekends and have a bit more left in the tank for Region 1, which could have four top-10ish teams.

#6 Ann Arbor Pioneer

Strengths

One of the better first three’s in the State. Kamari Ronfeldt is an obvious one, Beckett Crooks slightly less obvious, Theo Sacks-Thomas might be a name not many know. TST had a wonderful three race stretch to close the 2023 fall, running 16:30 or faster each time out.

Question Marks

Who fills in beyond those three? Quinn Davis gained valuable experience in late-season JV meets, placing 2^nd in the SEC and 1^st in Region 5’s PROM. Dax Winegarden had a breakout freshman track season running 4:38/10:25. Both are candidates to be called up to the big leagues.

Looking Ahead

Pioneer benefits from being in Region 5, where they’ve paired with Saline to dominate for the past few years. Seriously, the last time the Pioneers missed out on qualifying as a team was 2015. The Purple men probably also benefit from the highly-competitive SEC Red, bringing quality teams such as Skyline, Bedford, Huron, and Dexter into the mix. Pioneer is a favorite against all, though that young Hornet squadron is right there.

#7 Grand Haven

Strengths

All in all, an experienced lineup that’s been in a ton of major meets. Beyond Luka Hammond and Ben Eisnor, each listed in the 50 Tickets, you have kids such as Aron Gal and Carson Berko. Gal has been top-20 in the OK Red these past two years, Berko has been top-20 both times in the highly competitive Region 1.

Question Marks

Who can step into the 5^th role? The Bucs appear to have a bit of a gap between their 4^th and 5^th, which could be a detriment in major meets. Owen Cross immediately jumps out as a candidate, running in the 17-min. range for much of the end of the year (including a 16:41). Kasen Todtz too, running 4:46 in his first track season ever.

Looking Ahead

Well, the OK Red got a little stronger with a quality Rockford team hanging with Portage Central and Kalamazoo Central. And subsequently, so did Region 1.

#8 Clarkston

Strengths

An experienced senior lineup that’ll be hungry to handle the rough Oakland County championship season. Barnes, DeGrendel, Nowik, Ellingsworth, Wilson, and Waechter are all seniors.

Question Marks

Who can lead up front? At the state level or other large meets, a low-stick might be helpful. Ryan Barnes could definitely get there. After a massive drop from his freshman to sophomore XC seasons, he turned it up a notch in the spring. A clutch 9:30 race at Regionals (10+ sec PB) qualified Ryan for state in the 3200m.

Looking Ahead

The OAA Red and Region 8 are fairly similar in terms of teams, Clarkston appears to be the favorite in each. Oakland County expands it a bit, with squads such as Lakeland, WLN, and Milford on its home course. All of these teams are close enough to challenge these Wolves.

#9 Livonia Churchill

Strengths

The penchant for development. I’ve already looked into Joey Rohmfeld. Chase Wolters got a little shoutout in Region 6. What about Teo Condevaux? Barely broke 20:00 as a freshman. Stayed above 18:00 as a sophomore. Then last year, hit a 16:57 to place 24^th in Wayne County. He’s one example, who’s the next?

Question Marks

Can the Chargers stay engaged in a conference season where they’ll likely roll? The answer to this is probably yes, as they’ve had a history of training through mid-week meets before they rip it on the weekend.

Looking Ahead

As mentioned above, in their KLAA division, winning should be a formality. They’ll too be favorites in the ever-important Livonia City Championship. Other aspects aren’t so easy. Canton and Plymouth will be present at the Wayne County meet, then Northville and those two will be ready in one of the tougher regions out there, Region 6.

#10 East Kentwood

Strengths

A top-two that can hang with anyone. Evan Nickoles has his ticket, Isaac Tanis nailed down a few sub-16’s and top-10 finishes in the OK Red and Region 3.

Question Marks

Who’s the runner or two to bridge the gap behind Tanis and Nickoles? The positive thing is that the Falcons are young. EK had four 9^th or 10^th graders running below the 17’s. Now sophomore Justin Johnson flourished in track, closing his season with PRs of 4:39/10:03. He moves up to join Tanis and Nickoles, so will the Falcons.

Looking Ahead

Two days into the season, EK’s road ahead appears a bit tougher than before. Portage Central and Rockford both had eye-opening beginnings to their seasons. Rockford’s in the OK Red, along with Grand Haven and an improved West Ottawa squad. The Falcons should be in contention for the conference crown. They should be a favorite to qualify out of Region 3, though given how PC ran on Friday, that region could have three top-10 teams. And a fourth ranked team in Forest Hills Central. No slip ups will be tolerated.

THE SUMMER PREVIEW

Just as her brother, Jessica will likely be unavailable to run for Shelby this year.

As I’m 100% about embracing our best XC athletes, it’s only right that she’s included in here.

Accomplishments & Accolades

• 800m – 2:11
• 1600m – 4:46
• 3200m – 10:24
• 5k (XC) – 16:47

• 2022 & 2023 D3 State Champion
• 3x All-State
• 4^th Place – Foot Locker Midwest
  • 4^th Place – 2023
• 9^th Place – Foot Locker Nationals
  • 11^th Place – 2023
• 2x MITCA Champion
• 2023 D3 State 3200m Champion
• 8x All-State (Track)

Ratings Throughout the Years

Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
11	Jessica Jazwinski	16:49.9	Hart	175.4	MITCA	11-Nov	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:08.8	Hart	169.7	Division 3 State	4-Nov	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:23.0	Hart	172.3	Region 20	27-Oct	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:16.7	Hart	169.1	Mel Hall	21-Oct	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	16:47.8	Hart	175.1	WMC Mega	17-Oct	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:22.4	Hart	168.9	Hart & Sole	14-Oct	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:30.9	Hart	167.7	Portage	7-Oct	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:08.5	Hart	172.5	Bluejay	30-Sep	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:12.6	Hart	173.8	Cougar Falcon	23-Sep	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:29.2	Hart	168.9	Ottawa Hills	15-Sep	2023
11	Jessica Jazwinski	17:35.1	Hart	173.0	Pete Moss	25-Aug	2023
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
10	Jessica Jazwinski	16:47.3	Hart	175.6	MITCA	12-Nov	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	17:36.7	Hart	168.8	Division 3 State	5-Nov	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	17:39.3	Hart	165.2	Region 20	28-Oct	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	18:00.7	Hart	163.4	Mel Hall	22-Oct	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	18:41.1	Hart	165.3	WMC Mega Jamboree	18-Oct	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	17:15.1	Hart	171.3	Portage	8-Oct	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	17:41.3	Hart	161.9	Bluejay	1-Oct	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	17:54.1	Hart	155.6	Cougar Falcon	24-Sep	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	18:22.0	Hart	159.0	Spartan	16-Sep	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	18:30.7	Hart	155.4	Bredeweg	10-Sep	2022
10	Jessica Jazwinski	17:44.9	Hart	168.7	Pete Moss	27-Aug	2022
Grade	Name	Time	Team	Rating	Meet	Date	Year
9	Jessica Jazwinski	17:57.8	Hart	158.4	MITCA	13-Nov	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:00.6	Hart	151.8	Division 3 State	6-Nov	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	17:43.2	Hart	150.9	Region 20	30-Oct	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:23.0	Hart	145.0	Mel Hall	23-Oct	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:21.5	Hart	148.2	Hart & Sole	16-Oct	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	20:37.6	Hart	149.1	WMC Champ	12-Oct	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:38.0	Hart	151.3	Portage	9-Oct	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:42.1	Hart	145.0	WMC 3	5-Oct	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:47.2	Hart	143.3	Bluejay	2-Oct	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:31.5	Hart	150.8	Cougar Falcon	25-Sep	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:42.0	Hart	141.3	WMC 2	21-Sep	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	19:09.0	Hart	147.0	Spartan	17-Sep	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	19:39.1	Hart	140.3	WMD 1	14-Sep	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	18:58.5	Hart	140.2	Leanne Wolf Geers	9-Sep	2021
9	Jessica Jazwinski	19:00.6	Hart	143.5	Pete Moss	28-Aug	2021

The Rundown

Jessica has forever been a girl unafraid and aggressive. We’ve seen it in every season.

Her freshman cross season was one learning the intricacies of the sport, learning how to deal with adversity and growth. Track saw her compete in ten events, ranging from the 100 (sub-14!) to the 300h (51!) to her usual distance events. She competed in four of those distance events at the D3 State Finals, helping the Hart team to 29 points in their state championship.

The following June, more of the same. Contributions to 29 points, helping the Pirates narrowly come out ahead of Olivet for another title. Already with 2 miles of racing in her legs, she won her first track state title. Sacrificing fast times for team goals, the world kindly paying her off.

Facing off against Rachel Forsyth a few times in instances where others might cower. Hanging with her for as long as possible at Shepherd, pulling to a personal best (10:24). Confident in her summer training, ready to show out at Benzie, but ultimately settling for 2^nd place.

She’d always set the pace early in XC State Finals, daring anyone to follow. Some did, but her toughness always prevailed, winning back-to-back D3 titles.

Knowing she’s good enough to compete with the nation’s best in her prime late-season form. 11^th place at Foot Locker as a sophomore, 9^th as a junior.

This next year is full of uncertainty. We’ll see you compete at NC State, forever aggressive and unafraid.