2020 Previews – Page 29 – Michigan XC Speed Ratings

50 Tickets to Brooklyn (#30)

Drew has long been one of the better runners for his grade, his freshman year he was slightly hidden behind the Smith brothers of Alpena, now he’s vying for his 3^rd straight All-State
When you’re that good that early, it’s tough to see that year to year progress, but Drew has had time drops in each of his last two years
Winner of the prestigious Northern Michigan Championship in 2019 and has finished top-10 there all three years
Three-time state qualifier
Traverse City Central is always a top program, this year no different, he and Venhuizen will be needed to get low points up front

A big factor in ranking high here is steadiness, no subpar races, and Cookie is a prime example
Her lone poor races were a hot day at Jackson, finishing 10^th, and a 5^th place finish at the SEC Championship
Her best races helped Pioneer win a Regional title and a State title
She had tremendous improvement in more than one area
- Ratings, approximately a 0:45 drop on average
- Durability, she competed all year in 2019, her previous season was cut short
- Her personal best, going from 19:11 to 18:39
Along with a runner to be named later, contributes to another great duo that will be important to Pioneer’s bid for a repeat

Elsa and a runner to be named later represent one of the better one-two punches on the girls side of the state
She’s made steady jumps throughout her career, didn’t break 20 as a freshman, didn’t break 19 as a sophomore, and into the 18’s last fall
Peaked at the right time last year, setting a PR at Regionals, then bettering that performance to an All-State berth
Actually beat that regional time on a rain-soaked MITCA race in Shepherd (18:31.8, 155.7 rating)

Adugna is an example of someone who’s been at the top level of Michigan running for 3 years
He’s spent every year in the 15’s
He’s been All-State once, All-Region 3x, Top 10 at Greater Lansing 3x
And this past year, he was able to celebrate a major PR

Tristan has always been a major talent; last fall we saw that come to fruition
Him and Colin Hanson have consistently put in mileage for years and their leadership is a major force behind Stoney Creek’s success the past few years
Started his late season push at Oakland County, finishing All-County for the first time ever
Repeated that accomplishment at Regionals, setting a PR in Stoney’s upset over Romeo
Ran 9:56 indoor and 9:50 in a time trial over Memorial Day weekend

Sensational freshman year was a major factor in Troy’s 2017 state championship
Battled knee issues for much of 2018-2019, then was able to reestablish herself this past fall
Finished All-Region for the 3^rd consecutive year, All-County, then nabbed the final All-State spot
Will likely be the lead runner on a Troy squad that has the potential to make a big splash at MIS