There are freshmen that carved themselves a prominent role in XC. Hanging at the front of State Finals races, helping their teams win titles.
Then there are some in which development took a little longer, but are poised to make an impact this year and in the coming seasons.
To view Daisy’s transformation that occurred during track, just look at how she performed relative to her OK Red peers. In XC jamborees, she averaged a 6th place finish (10, 4, 6). At the conference track meet, two 2nd place finishes in the 1600m and 3200m, even after a 4×8 that likely put some hurt into her legs. Even more dramatically, her 8th place finish in the D1 3200m wouldn’t have been possible for the November Daisy who placed 76th at State.
Rockford is back and a contender for the podium in November. With a quickly progressing girl at the front, the Rams will have no choice but to follow.
As one heads toward the infield, they’re faced with crowds, excitement, and thoughts of their name going down in state history. Onto the infield, what seems like a quick finish slowly churns into a feeling where one knows they’ll have to grind for another 1000m.
Clipping 2 miles in 10:22, Gus was in 13th place, far from someone who would have a memorable performance. Gut check time for many. How do you want your next year to feel? Can you live with the regrets for the rest of your running life? I believe that final, lonesome stretch can reveal much about someone’s internal positivity or struggles.
For Gus, they revealed an inner strength. From the 2 mile mark on, he ran the fastest time of anyone in the field (including winner Collin Farmer). 5:29.9, 4:58 pace for those final 1.1 miles. Passing 12 folks on the way to a runner-up finish. 3 of those 12 occurred in the final 173 meters.
Heart will be on display in 2024. If you’d like to witness, find Gus.
Spent the majority of his freshman year in the 16’s. The best performances were probably an 8th place regional finish and the 7th best freshman in D1 at MIS.
Projected 14th over here in Region 5, finished 6th. With the Jags qualifying by a mere 4 points, that outstanding race from Brady was very much needed.
Went from not being on Saline’s varsity regional squad as a freshman to a sophomore who earned a spot. A prominent one, mind you, as she placed 6th in this tough region.
Has always been a bit more of a longer distance girl. Improved a lil’ bit from her sophomore year, dropping 10 sec. to 11:21 and placing 2nd in the SEC Red.
Michigan XC Speed Ratings 