Category: Regional Previews

GIRLS

Warren Regina

• Rank: N/R

Very young team that benefitted from the addition of 5 freshmen last year.  Regional champ last year in an extremely tight team race.  Ended up 5^th in Macomb County as well, ahead of much larger schools.

• Highest Rated: Grace Zdankiewicz

Grace was able to set a PR early in what would be a great freshman season.  18:55 at Muskrat Classic, always a fast course.  She slowed down a little in the middle of the season, but rebounded to finish 3^rd at regionals.

• Career achievement/improvement: Sabrina Kroll

Sabrina came up with a huge regional race last year, running 22:25, a 12 second PR at the time.

• Darkhorse: Grace Audisho

Tough call between Grace and Jessica Jarski, both equally deserving of mention.  Grace posted a faster 3200m time (12:32).  That time came after a period of steady improvement and was good enough for 8^th at Macomb County.

Imlay City

• Rank: N/R

Imlay City was a tough 4^th here last year.  Their depth, especially in spots 4-7, really help them here.  Personally, I feel the numbers may have them underrated.  Their track season also really improved their projections, many girls broke 6 in the 1600m.  Always beneficial to have a senior-laden team in the biggest race of the year.

• Highest Rated: Mary Lengemann

Came on strong as the season went on, running her fastest times late.  Her PR of 19:50 comes from regionals, where she finished 8^th.  Thumb Area also went well, a 4^th place finish.  Improvement continued into track, where she popped a 5:23.

• Career achievement/improvement: McKinzie Winget

McKinzie is a senior who, the past two years, has reduced time as the season has drawn to an end.  In 2018, that drop was much more severe, as she was able to PR here in 20:51.  Also, check out that track profile, 60.7 in the 400.

• Darkhorse: Elizabeth Sliman

Ran a 5:55 in track, but was over 23:00 in XC.  Must have been some serious winter training!

Macomb Lutheran North

• Rank: N/R

Lutheran North’s 5^th-7^th girls can be the deciding factor here.  Wood and Starkey are known quantities and they have a few freshmen who can be decent additions.  They were 7^th here last year, so potentially a minor upset.

• Highest Rated: Amanda Wood

Amanda spent much time in the upper places of her races.  2^nd at Regionals, Macomb County, Catholic League, and Hansons, then 1^st at Autumn Classic.  She’s been in the 19’s all three years.  This spring, she showed some speed, running 2:19 in the 800.

• Career achievement/improvement: Maya Hielscher

Maya is one of those aforementioned 5^th-7^th girls that could be integral to Lutheran North’s success.  Such a gradual progression last year, running 27+ minutes their time trial, into the 22’s by the end of September, finally running a 22:14 (PR) here.

• Darkhorse: Madeleine Barge

This is where it’s truly a guessing game on my part.  Brief research shows that most runners from Rochester St. John go to Lutheran North, if she does, this is another factor that puts them ahead of Cros-Lex.  Three results, two in the 13’s, a 12:50 at Holly.  If she goes to Lutheran Northwest, then that’s a big help for them.  If she goes public, the same thing.

Others to Watch

• Erin Manns, Croswell-Lexington

Erin improved on a solid freshman track season, dropping from 5:51 to 5:41, then showed the ability to handle longer distances, running 12:15.

• Alaina Carroll, Armada

Alaina spent the entirety of her 11^th grade year in the 20’s, then popped a 19:27 here, good for 4^th place.

• Lily Connelly, Croswell-Lexington

I wouldn’t normally mention two girls from one school, but Lily’s track season deserves recognition.  8^th in the 800 at States in a 2 second personal best!

BOYS

BOYS

Yale

• Rank: 14

Yale is about as experienced a team you’ll find.  They’re the defending champs here, were 2^nd in Thumb Area, and finished 20^th at States last year.  They’re led by an outstanding top 2, but will need some depth to step up in order to move up at States this year.  They’re set up for success in the future, check out the numbers of their middle school team.  Oh, forgot to mention their 4×8 was 3^rd and 4×4 1^st just a few weeks ago.

• Highest Rated: Matthew McClelland

Pretty good initial two years for this guy.  He’s thrown down some solid times, 16:20 at regionals last year.  Accolades present too, 3^rd at Thumb Area, 7^th at Holly, BWAC champion, and took part in that winning 4×4 squad.

• Career achievement/improvement: Hunter Richards

Hunter can be right there with McClelland.  The accomplishments are there as well, 2^nd at Thumb Area, 4^th here last year, just a subpar State race lowers his projection.  But the great times can happen, as his 4:34 in track indicates.

• Darkhorse: Nolan Kudera

When your brother runs 48.x and you run a 2:00 800 as a sophomore, you’ve got my eye for potential.  Is the pure, unadulterated speed there?  Maybe not, but the 2 flat shows some strength.

St. Clair

• Rank: 21

St. Clair is another team that’s experienced, but not as much as Yale.  3 of their top 7 last year were freshman, and as you know, that can lead to major jumps.

• Highest Rated: Jack Pennewell

Jack suffered a stress fracture at the end of 2018’s track season, hindering his summer training and his XC season.  Rebounded quite nicely in track, running 4:26/9:45.  As I told St. Clair’s coach, he’s probably underrated by the numbers, but has the potential to flirt with the 16-min. barrier.

• Career achievement/improvement: Raymond Hill

As what may be St. Clair’s only senior in the top 7, I’m placing him here.  He was 16^th here last year, but thankfully was able to run at MIS.  From his freshman to junior year, he’s run more than 2 minutes faster.

• Darkhorse: Lucas Danko

Out of all the underclassmen, he’s likely the most capable of surprising this fall.  He’s had a few breakout races but not great consistency.  17:42 at Muskrat Classic and 17:22 at MAC Championship.  In track, his 10:38 (multiple sub-10:50 efforts too) shows he can be a steady figure in the 17’s this year.

Armada

• Rank: 20

Armada is carried by a very quick top three, beyond that remains to be seen.  They return 4 of their top 7 from a team that finished 2^nd here last year and 17^th at States.

• Highest Rated: Alec Albrecht

Alec could be placed in the darkhorse category as well.  In just his first season of XC, he was able to run mid-16’s, finish 6^th here, and sneak into the top-50 at States.

• Career achievement/improvement: Noah Verlinde

A certain Armada alum who’s running at Oklahoma next year has said Verlinde is putting in some serious training this summer.  Coming off a track season where he broke 10 indoors, that could mean time in the low 16’s or maybe high 15’s.

• Darkhorse: Connor Mackenzie

Connor dropped 6 seconds from his already excellent freshman 800 time (2:06 to 2:00).  As with Albrecht, last year was his first running XC.  His rating is lower because of some slower times to start the year, he’s another one that you could see in the low 16’s.

Others to Watch

• Collin Holzberger, Croswell-Lexington

Keeping in line with my fascination with XC stars doing field events, Collin finished 8^th at States in the pole vault.  Must be nice to have that combination of fast twitch fibers, strength, and ability to run sub-17.

• Cheikh Ndiaye, Hazel Park?

Cheikh shows a few track results from Berkley.  Not often you see Hazel Park distance runners.  I remember they had a state champ back in the 90’s.  I’m hoping he runs for Hazel Park.

• Bryson DenUyl, Marysville

I think I might make it out to this region to see the battle between Bryson and McClelland.  Bryson had the better of it in cross, being the defending champ here and notching that spot on the stage at MIS.

Another regional that finishes on a track!

GIRLS

 

Spring Lake

• Rank: 9

Continuing with the theme of teams not graduating much, they lose one senior from their top 10.  Defending OK Blue champs, but finished 5^th in a tough region last year.

• Highest Rated: Julia Bajt

Senior has been a constant figure in the top 15 here.  Her best finish was 2^nd in 2017.  I have her heading a mean 4 girl pack that’s not separated by much.  She was able to set a major 800 PR in track.

• Career achievement/improvement: Anna Fedewa

Another senior, another girl that’s dropped time every year in the program.  She’s started each season as an improvement from the start of the previous season and ended each season with a PR at one point.  Like Bajt, she also set some serious PRs in track, including a 5:31 1600m.

• Darkhorse: Maggie Cooper

What the heck did Spring Lake change up this track season?  5:52 to 5:22 in the 1600m.  Indicates potential for a big drop in XC, maybe in the 18’s.

Allendale

• Rank: 14

Like Spring Lake, on the losing end of a super strong region.  Even more heartbreaking, they lost on the 6^th runner.  This year, hopefully able to extend the season another week.

• Highest Rated: Sophia DiPiazza

Sophia was 2^nd here last year in PR time of 18:29. Also had some impressive top 10 finishes, namely at Allendale Falcon, Portage, and States.  She’s rated as the top returner in the region.

• Career achievement/improvement: Kori Baumann

Kori has been a state qualifier her three years in Allendale’s system.  She had her best finish at MIS last year, coming in at 29^th.  Also the reigning OK Blue champion.

• Darkhorse: Riley Delore

As a freshman, was able to go sub-20 twice.  Ran 5:53 in track, about on par with what she ran early in XC.

Grand Rapids Christian

• Rank: 10

Team was able to finish 2^nd at Regionals and 5^th in the State last year.  Good follow on the Instagram too, love the creative ways they promote their summer practices.

• Highest Rated: Madelyn Frens

Reigning regional champ.  10:39 in track indicates that sub-18 is within reach.

• Career achievement/improvement: Matea Diekema

Was able to create a nice little comeback story.  Sophomore year was cut short in September, junior year was able to knock down her PR from her freshman year.  She was able to complete the season and run at States, her first appearance there.

• Darkhorse: Olivia Waalkes

Olivia ran track for the first time in HS.  I think those of us around the sport are aware of how beneficial year-round, consistent training can be.  Both her 5:47 and 12:14 indicate she’s capable of a little improvement.

Others to Watch

• Sophie Trudgeon, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Sophie leads a GRCC trio that could all qualify for States.  As a team, they have a chance if they can develop a 4^th/5^th girl, because the front-runners are definitely there.  Sophie qualified last year as well.

• Maggie Duba, Grand Rapids West Catholic

Maggie showed some ability as a miler in track.  Low 5:30’s multiple times, can that carry over to XC?

• Chloe Lhamon, Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills

Not to be confused with Chloe Lohman, also in this race.  Has to be some relation, that is just too coincidental.  Chloe had some performances in the 20’s last year, another girl whose track times make you believe there’s more to come.  5:43 this spring, ran twice to finish the season.  Hopefully she carries that momentum into summer training.

BOYS

Grand Rapids Christian

• Rank: 7

The Eagles return 6 of their top 7 from last year.  Christian Voetberg will be missed, but I expect them to improve.  The team was 10^th at States and 3^rd in this region.  Other accomplishments include a 6^th place finish at Portage and 1^st place at Otsego Bulldog.

• Highest Rated: Jack Luymes

Jack has been up in front the past two years after a significant improvement from his freshman year.  Finished 13^th here and at Otsego Bulldog, where he set his PR of 16:32.  Set some PRs in track, most notably his 800m, a 4 second drop from his sophomore year.

• Career achievement/improvement: Ethan Wilstermann

Tough to decide between Ethan and Graham Kort, both of which have gradually dropped time throughout their career.  Ethan was the top performer at last year’s State Finals, finishing 66^th.  It appears he’s battled through some stunted seasons his first two years, good to see he finished strong last year.

• Darkhorse: Jack Peterson

Jack improved from a 18:55 as a freshman to 17:30 as a sophomore, winning the Otsego Bulldog JV race.  He had some subpar races after, but finished with a strong regional performance.  In track, he was able to go 4:44, dropping 18 seconds from his previous 1600m PR.

Allendale

• Rank: 12

Allendale was able to only send one boy to MIS last year.  They’ll benefit from East Grand Rapids moving out, but also growing a year older.

• Highest Rated: Hayden Rhodea

Hayden is coming off a track season where he was able to run 9:32, narrowly missing a spot on the podium at States.  This was really a revelation compared to cross, he’s always been good, but not at this level.  Still, he was 6^th here last year.

• Career achievement/improvement: Nathan Terbeek

Nathan was able to make some solid drops last year.  Some of his better ones came late, a PR at Allendale Falcon, and then almost a minute reduction at Regionals, which netted him a 43^rd place.

• Darkhorse: Dakota Riemersma

Dakota had some impressive 32’s in track, producing multiple sub 10:35’s.  He’s had some 17 min. performances in the past, but I’m betting they’re more consistent and more often this season.

Spring Lake

• Rank: N/R

Spring Lake is extremely young, many sophomores lining their top 7.  The Hylen brothers are a big loss, but as stated before, a slightly weaker regional should help in their quest back to MIS.

• Highest Rated: Callen Carrier

Callen’s a junior who’s showed some potential in his first two years.  Always a good sign when a freshman can break 18, he was able to do that.  Last year, he had multiple sub-17 performances, including a 21^st place finish here at Regionals.  In track this spring, his 10:14 shows continued progression.

• Career achievement/improvement: Adam Macleod

Adam could very well be Spring Lake’s 7^th runner this year.  As a freshman, he broke 20 a few times and started 2018 off on the same note.  By late September, he really began to roll, running 19:27 at Cougar Falcon, then improving all the way to 18:45.

• Darkhorse: Ian Hill

Ian probably is more of a known quantity, but the darkhorse question is: how good can he be?  He was able to run 4:40 in early May, but only ran one 1600m after that.  He may give Callen Carrier a pretty good run for first man on this team.

Others to Watch

• Jon Wildey, Fruitport

Jon really came on strong at the end of last year.  He set a PR at the OK Black Conference Meet, then went on to finish 11^th here and 67^th at MIS.

• Caleb Gaffner, Hudsonville Unity Christian

Last season was his first season of XC.  He was able to go 16:19 at Otsego Bulldog, 9^th here at Regionals, then 64^th at States.  He’s run track for a few years, his prowess seems to be in the 1600m, where he’s gone 4:35 and 4:32 the past two years.

 

 

 

               

 

 

Do any other regionals finish on tracks?  Or XC courses in general?  I know Mt. SAC used to for FootLocker West, but that’s it.

Experimenting with a new format for this preview.

GIRLS

Byron

• Rank: #14

Team had quite a bit of accomplishments last year.  MMAC League Champ, 2^nd at Shiawassee County, Regional Champ, and 13^th at State.  They return EVERYONE, but look for some freshman to make contributions.

• Highest Rated: Olivia Krejci

Senior was able to break 20 for the first time last year.  She was 2^nd in the region.  Major improvements in track, running 5:47/12:02

• Career achievement/improvement: Hunter Luke

Senior’s best times each year have all been in the 19’s.  Top 6 at Regionals all three years, All-State as a freshman and sophomore.

• Darkhorse: Allissa Ash

Another senior (quite a triumvirate here), that was able to attain some huge drops in track.  2:56 to 2:32, 5:59 to 5:27, 13:13 to 12:24.

University Liggett

• Rank: N/R

It seems like it’s been many years since Liggett has failed to qualify a team for States.  They’re in D4, they’re at Willow, they’re all over, but they keep making it.  It’s another team that returns everything and has some seniors ready to finish their career on a positive note.

• Highest Rated: Maggie Dunn

Last year was her first year at Liggett and running XC for that matter.  Soccer player, is an exceptionally tough and savvy racer.  7^th here last year.

• Career achievement/improvement: Margaret Hartigan

Another one that looks to make it 4 straight years of running at MIS.

• Darkhorse: Gracie Govier-Laparl

In her first race ever last year, she ran over 30:00.  In her second to last race, at a tough regional course, she ran 22:12.  This year, the starting point will definitely be much lower.

Madison Heights Bishop Foley

• Rank: N/R

Another young team, these girls return 6 of their top 7.  If they do qualify, it’ll be a huge bump from last year.  The thing that helps them here is depth.  My records have them with at least 7 runners, while other girls teams in this region struggle to field a full squad.

• Highest Rated: Kathryn Podolan

As a freshman, was able to break 21.  Was able to finish top 10 at Regionals and break the top 100 at States.

• Career achievement/improvement: Rachel Belf

Third year in the program for this girl.  Didn’t run as fast in 2018 as she did in 2017, but track times indicate that on the right course, she could return to that form.

• Darkhorse: Elizabeth Powers

Senior has dropped almost a minute or more every year, looks to do the same this year.  I have her projected 12^th, which would be a vast improvement over her past two regionals.

Other Runners to Watch

• Courtney Carlson, Memphis

Can only assume she’s in some way related to Tyler Carlson.  As a middle schooler, she was in the 14’s in XC.  Going with genetics here.

• Lilly Rodriguez, Capac

Senior had her best showing in the 1600 this spring.  5:46 improves on a lifetime best of 5:58. I’m not sure if 2018’s cross season went the way she wanted, but she has something she can build upon.

• Avery McNally, Academy of the Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart moves up from D4 to D3 this year.  Avery was 4^th in Region 36 the past two years, can she maintain that place against a stronger field?

BOYS

Madison Heights Bishop Foley

• Rank: 22

Last year, finished 3^rd in D3D4 CHSL, 2^nd at Regionals, and 27^th at States.  Return their top 13(!) runners, with some potential in those freshmen.

• Highest Rated: Jack Decker

Double pneumonia (infected in both lungs?) sunk his regional performance last year, he was a 17-min. guy beforehand.  Recovered by track to run a PR in the 1600m, 4:39.

• Career Achievement/Improvement: Jacob Rusch

Has run at 3 straight State Finals.  Has broken 18 the past two years after running 19:37 as a freshman.  Will likely be 2/3 with Mitch Mandziuk.

• Darkhorse: Jay Maynard

Ran 20:51 as a freshman last fall, nothing special, but turned in a track season that was much more spectacular.  5:19/11:14, the 3200m is a little better rated, so maybe he’s more of a distance type?  A track time like that can easily lead to a top-10 finish here.

Memphis

• Rank: N/R

Narrowly missed out on a spot in the State Finals last year, finishing 4^th here.  Return 5 of their top 7 and add a good freshman to the mix.

• Highest Rated: Tyler Carlson

Was the regional champ last year as a sophomore, 16^th in Macomb County, 1^st in his league, and 40^th at State Finals.  Set PRs in both the 1600 and 3200 in track.

• Career Achievement/Improvement: Jake Thomas

Spent much of 2017 in the 21’s, dropped that down to the 18’s and a 10^th place finish here.

• Darkhorse: Camden Khon

He’s an incoming freshman.  As a middle schooler, he was able to break 12 in XC and then do the same, multiple times, in track.

Capac

• Rank: N/R
• Highest Rated: Hank Barker

Finished 9^th here and 7^th in the Greater Thumb Conference.  Consistently in the 18’s last year, should be in that same range this year.  Track season was a success, first time ever qualifying for states in the 110h/PV.

• Career achievement/improvement: Logan Swantek

Individual qualifier the last two years, finishing 12^th here last year.

• Darkhorse: Ben Rodriguez

His 11:09 at Regionals was a 17 second PR and a 47 second drop from last year.  If that form continues, he’ll definitely be in the 18’s.

Other Runners to Watch

• Hubert Ash, Byron

Made some big jumps during track, 5:56 to 5:11, 12:35 to 11:01

• Elisha Huggins, Byron

Another case of odd event combos, 800/1600/Long Jump.  First year with distance results in track, 800m ability seems present, 2:03.

• Ashton Pongratz, University Liggett

Great sophomore year but stagnated a little as a junior.  From what I hear, he’s been more focused this summer and should be able to replicate or improve upon that sophomore form.