Grand Rapids may lack the star power on the individual side, at least this year. We all know the history of Ritz, the Rockford dynasty, the burgeoning East Grand Rapids dynasty. The running culture undoubtedly has a pull on the Holland, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo areas as well. I’m in awe of the sheer size of some of these teams, especially schools such as Covenant Christian. Results show they had at least 60 boys and girls on their teams last year, but their enrollment total is around 400. Almost 15% of the school participating in our great sport.
I threw all the schools into one giant pot, so here you go:
Carson is perhaps the most prominent example of year to year progress
One can think of it in all three factors:
Time, 17:44 to 16:41 to 15:47
Ratings, 165 to 181 to 202
But most importantly, accomplishments
Shiawassee County Champion, Top-3 at Region, Top-3 at State
His 2019 season was rife with all sorts of achievements and PR’s, when he wanted to run fast, he was consistently in the high 15’s/low 16’s
During indoor, Carson was able to pick up where he left off the previous year, inching his way down to 4:31
Division 3 will likely be a battle with Carson’s upward trajectory and a runner to be named later
8. Madelyn Frens, Grand Rapids Christian
Following a sensational freshman campaign, Madelyn took it to the next level in 2019
Started off with a major PR at Pete Moss, and reached that level on multiple occasions throughout the year
State Meet may not have gone how she wanted, but credit to her for battling until her body gave out
Very accomplished throughout her first two years, twice Regional Champion, twice top-3 at Portage, twice top-2 at Otsego Bulldog, and All-State in 2018
Improved her best in the 1600m indoors from 5:15 to 5:03 (she ran 4:57 in 2019’s outdoor season)
Will definitely be in the hunt for the Division 2 crown with a few girls to be mentioned later
Michigan XC Speed Ratings 