Thought I had the beat on this Up North area, but I guess not. One of my favorite small towns (Leland) spoiled the party. Falling a little below pace with 122 correct projections of 138 possibilities.
BUCKED DOWN
I will highlight one kid from each race for a little writeup. With Regionals and their survive and advance attitude, I’ll try to shout out someone who extended their season another week when they weren’t expected to, or contributed to a team that came in with a clutch performance. Of course, that leaves out many athletes who gave a great effort, and all of the athletes that were winners for toeing the line this weekend. Congrats to all.
Agustin Creamer, Leland
On their underdog 3rd place finish, the Comets were led by Agustin. He’s been a Leland team member for three years, having run at two regionals over that time span. His 11th place finish on Saturday was 10 spots better than his freshman year and a 30+ second personal best. For more context and comparison, he was 18:22 at the first NWC Jamboree here and then 17:11 over the weekend. Setting the tone up front surely had a positive effect on his teammates and helped gain the Comets another week of competing.
Emily Alaimo, Maple City Glen Lake
Talk about a torrential time drop. When Emily began her season and even through late-September, she was primarily a 24+ minute girl. Under the guidance of the Drowns, her speed increased and her confidence had to soar alongside it. First, slipping under 24:00 at Portage, then under 23:00 at Benzie, then a giant next step – 21:22 here.
Four of six teams, including an unanticipated, unexpected TWO upsets in the girls race. Sittin’ at 117 of 132 teams.
SOUTH CHRISTIAN SPEED CITY
I will highlight one kid from each race for a little writeup. With Regionals and their survive and advance attitude, I’ll try to shout out someone who extended their season another week when they weren’t expected to, or contributed to a team that came in with a clutch performance. Of course, that leaves out many athletes who gave a great effort, and all of the athletes that were winners for toeing the line this weekend. Congrats to all.
Ahna Wotjer, GR West Michigan Aviation
WMAA wasn’t even in the ballpark of teams I’d consider making it out of here, projected at less than 5% chance of advancing. When teams such as these do move on, it’s always a concerted effort from everyone, including a girl like Ahna, who stepped up in a major way. Of the 100+ girls that competed in the varsity race, and Ahna was one of them, breaking into the 20’s on her largest stage yet.
Grace Kooyer, Grand Rapids South Christian
Was one of the other ones to set a PR. But after two straight years of South Christian defying the expectations, one should come to expect it. Grace has gone through a bit of growth over the past year. Last fall, she wasn’t even on the Sailors’ varsity squad at Regionals, this year she was an integral member (and two minutes faster on this same course).
William O’Dell, Battle Creek Harper Creek
I guess three trips to MIS weren’t enough for William. He’s made it there all throughout his career. In 2020 and 2021, he qualified with his Harper Creek teammates, individually the past two years. Both of these final years were top-12 efforts and this Saturday, he looks to have his best State Finals finish yet.
15 of 18, which is about how it usually goes. Pine River’s boys and Benzie/Vestaburg’s girls… you got me. Currently sitting at 113/126.
CONQUERED THE REMUS HILLS
I will highlight one kid from each race for a little writeup. With Regionals and their survive and advance attitude, I’ll try to shout out someone who extended their season another week when they weren’t expected to, or contributed to a team that came in with a clutch performance. Of course, that leaves out many athletes who gave a great effort, and all of the athletes that were winners for toeing the line this weekend. Congrats to all.
Jessica Penrod, Vestaburg
The Wolverines came into the meet as slight underdogs to make it to MIS, a 32% chance of advancing. With a 20-point margin over 3rd place, there was nothing slight about their performance. Jessica in particular ran well, 2 minutes faster than her opener here and 15+ seconds faster than last week.
Nora Grossnickle, Benzie Central
Not often that you see Benzie Central not being a favorite to make it out of their region. The Huskies (and Nora) don’t take kindly to that sorta disrespect. Astounding consistency from her in this championship season. 20:0x’s in each of her last three efforts.
Kennedi Wood, Sparta
She’s run three regionals here on this Remus Hills track, each of them slightly better than the rest. 21:18 and 23rd as a sophomore, 21:01 and 18th as a junior, and continuing the trend, 13th here in 20:54. Projected 19th, she came in 13th, earning herself an automatic trip to Brooklyn.
Jordan Weber, Beal City
Of his eleven previous races, only two had been sub-19. Each of those courses are notoriously quick (Uncle John’s and Cadillac), nothing compared the speed bumps offered here. But that was no matter for Jordan, who ran a personal best of 18:28.
Brody Swanson, LeRoy Pine River
Early in the year, Brody had shown flashes of quick times (18:00 at Buckley, 18:04 at Sparta). They’ve come to fruition lately, with two sub-18’s in his past three meets. His 17:53 here in the rolling hills and woods couldn’t have come at a better time, helping lead the Bucks to their 2nd State Finals in the past 4 years.
Hayden Gould, Big Rapids
It wasn’t quite as quick as his Late Season Warrior effort, but I don’t think the ratings have captured the roll he’s been on. Sub-17 in four of his past seven races, remarkable progress from the freshman who was largely over 20 minutes.
Friday Girls Adjustment: 0 Friday Boys Adjustment: -3 Saturday Girls Adjustment: 0 Saturday Boys Adjustment: +5
Michigan XC Speed Ratings 