Uncategorized

2023 Regional Projections: Portage Central (Friday)

Finally, the start of the season we’ve all been waiting for. Throw out all the fast times from September, but apply all the lessons learned through the summer and fall. Regional week is here and with it comes the many projections and previews I’ll write.

Just as last year and throughout the season, I’m projecting these using race simulations. Through a season’s worth of speed ratings, one can determine a runner’s average rating and the variability of those ratings. Both those factors are then weighed towards more recent meets, which are then simulated thousands of times using a Monte Carlo analysis (also described by TullyRunners here). Over those thousands of race simulations, one can determine a team’s average place and average score, a runner’s average place, odds on winning, and odds on qualifying.

These are useful in cross country scenarios, where you have consistent runners and those who are a bit more up and down. For example:

Tanner TimeTanner RatingTanner Avg.Tanner StDev.
15:30210  
15:45205  
16:00200  
16:15195  
16:301902007.91
MIXCSR TimeMIXCSR RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDev.
16:09197  
16:12196  
16:15195  
16:18194  
16:211931951.58

Jacob at his best might be faster than I in four of the five races during the season. I’d almost never be All-State in Division 1, but he might contend for a top-5 spot or place 60th.

If we did 20 simulations, this is how it might turn out:

RaceTanner Avg.Tanner StDevTanner RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDevMIXCSR Rating
12007.9202.11951.6195.6
22007.9196.21951.6194.1
32007.9190.01951.6199.2
42007.9193.41951.6192.5
52007.9206.81951.6195.7
62007.9201.81951.6196.1
72007.9171.61951.6194.9
82007.9189.21951.6195.9
92007.9205.51951.6197.0
102007.9203.81951.6192.6
112007.9192.31951.6196.5
122007.9196.91951.6196.4
132007.9198.51951.6195.6
142007.9203.21951.6194.1
152007.9193.91951.6192.6
162007.9199.31951.6193.2
172007.9208.71951.6194.2
182007.9213.71951.6194.6
192007.9212.61951.6197.1
202007.9206.31951.6193.9

I’d win four times, but I’d never have the ability to win a title like he had in Race 18. He’s usually All-State, but may cost his team a title through his effort in Race 7.

The simulations give the possibilities of those scenarios and all the various scoring scripts. A sixth girl that can pop off on any certain day, a reliable boy who always runs 17-flat, you name it. Hopefully, they better elucidate our contenders, qualifiers, and how these races play out over the weekend.

But always remember, races aren’t run on paper or on a computer. These projections are meant to better our sport, to give more attention where little is given. Although I take pride in their accuracy, this endeavor would be quite boring if it were always perfect. I look forward to these being proven wrong and I expect to hear about it as well.

SUMMER PREVIEW
MID-SEASON

GIRLS

Ranked Teams

#15 Concord
#17 Kalamazoo Hackett

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

Probably gonna be around 16th place regardless if the 3rd team is White Pigeon or Centreville.

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Kalamazoo Hackett1.5415295+
2Concord1.5424895+
3Centreville3.49156
4White Pigeon3.69444
5Battle Creek St. Philip5.5150
6Athens6.3159
7Three Oaks River Valley6.6161
8New Buffalo7.5174

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
19Haley StimerConcord1.4
211Presley AllenMendon2.2
39Gabriella SiemsKalamazoo Hackett3.6
410Cieara BarrettConcord4.1
510Emma RikerKalamazoo Hackett5.0
610Katelyn Van EsKalamazoo Hackett7.1
712Riley AdamsConcord9.5
812Emma GaylorHeritage Christian Academy10.8
910Ellie ReedCentreville10.9
1011Jamielynn DelaryeWhite Pigeon12.0
1112Gwen BulkoConcord12.6
1212Addie CurtisMarcellus13.4
1312Mimi HibbardBattle Creek St. Philip14.3
1411Abigail UlbrichKalamazoo Hackett15.2
159Harper BowmanNew Buffalo15.7
1612Chloe BadgerAthens17.4
1712Analiese MillerWhite Pigeon17.5
1812Emmy PritchardCentreville19.6
1912Alexae HallDecatur21.4
209Angel VeenKantTekonsha21.7
2111Rachel SchelstraeteWhite Pigeon22.8
229Ella HendrixsonThree Oaks River Valley23.0
2310Bethany CarpenterKalamazoo Hackett23.9
2412Frances MildenbergCentreville25.2
2511Hannah StimerConcord25.9
2610Rachel BylerWhite Pigeon26.2
279Helen DonnerThree Oaks River Valley26.4
2810Julianne MounceKalamazoo Hackett27.9
2910Kimberlynn LawsonCentreville28.9
3012Ellie MillerCentreville30.7

Any Intriguing Battles?

Concord vs. Kalamazoo Hackett for the girls win. Concord had the upper hand earlier in the year at Portage, buoyed by quick efforts from Stimer and Barrett. Hackett had more bodies toward the back of the pack. Two aspects to watch: what sort of gap is there in place between the Yellowjackets’ top-2 and Hackett’s top-2 and if depending on the former’s significance, can the Irish pull through late?

BOYS

Ranked Teams

#6 Three Oaks River Valley
#8 Kalamazoo Hackett
#26 Battle Creek St. Philip

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

22nd Place. With two top-10 teams, this appears to be very top-heavy, with many spots up for grab later into the race.

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Three Oaks River Valley1.3387295+
2Kalamazoo Hackett1.7422895+
3Battle Creek St. Philip3.088 95+
4White Pigeon4.5146  
5Concord4.7148  
6Centreville6.0171  
7Eau Claire7.3198  
8Heritage Christian Academy8.6217  
9Mendon8.8219  
10Athens9.3228  
11New Buffalo10.9262  

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
110Marek ButkiewiczKalamazoo Hackett1.4
210Landon RogersThree Oaks River Valley2.5
312Gavin SehyKalamazoo Hackett2.6
412Austin YorkThree Oaks River Valley4.8
512Luke SpragueBattle Creek St. Philip5.8
610Charlie GibsonThree Oaks River Valley6.2
710Sean SiemsKalamazoo Hackett6.3
810Jesse FielisWhite Pigeon7.9
911Ben IobeMendon9.7
1011Adam SlavensThree Oaks River Valley11.1
1111Ryan BlankenshipEau Claire11.3
1212Max ShugarsBattle Creek St. Philip11.7
1311Sean DriscollThree Oaks River Valley14.6
1412Nick DoerrKalamazoo Hackett14.8
1512Braiden BrooksThree Oaks River Valley16.2
1611Jerome BastianBattle Creek St. Philip17.0
1711Alex DumontKalamazoo Hackett17.8
189Kellen SiemsKalamazoo Hackett19.4
1910Ethan O’ConnorAthens20.4
2010David LaneWhite Pigeon22.2
2110Maddox HutchinsonConcord22.2
229Max BarronTekonsha23.5
2311Owen NofsBattle Creek St. Philip23.5
249Keaton SmithConcord24.9
2511Lleyton BaumanConcord27.2
2610Brendan SreCentreville27.7
2711Grant SchummThree Oaks River Valley28.0
289Elias BaldwinDecatur28.4
299Oliver MildenbergCentreville29.3
309Seth CrownHeritage Christian Academy30.7

Any Intriguing Battles?

As with many of these Southwest schools, we can look to Portage and try to glean something from the River Valley vs. Hackett matchup. There, the Mustang pack laid a giant impact, in particular Adam Slavens through Braiden Brooks, placing six RV boys before Hackett’s fourth. In a smaller meet such as this, that significance gets toned down, so if kids such as Sehy and Siems can sneak up a spot or two, Hackett’s winning odds become larger.

SUMMER PREVIEW
MID-SEASON

GIRLS

Ranked Teams

#10 Forest Hills Central

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

A little light on the elite squads leaves many individuals in the top-15. Less depth in terms of spots, but a high possibility of more than 7 individual qualifiers.

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Forest Hills Central1.05395+95+
2Portage Central2.512289
3Byron Center3.413470
4East Kentwood4.815219
5Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills5.5158
6Kalamazoo Central6.11649
7Caledonia6.11647
8Forest Hills Northern7.2174
9Battle Creek Lakeview9.1198
10Portage Northern9.5206
11Lowell11.1246
12Kalamazoo Loy Norrix12.3285
13Mattawan12.4290

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Selma AndersonGrand Rapids Ottawa Hills1.0
212Clara James-HeerForest Hills Central2.0
312Izzy FazioForest Hills Northern4.1
410Ava LawrenceEast Kentwood4.3
511Annie AlkemaKalamazoo Central5.0
611Anna SybengaForest Hills Central6.6
711Clare MathisonForest Hills Central8.9
812Alyssa DeFieldsCaledonia10.9
912Emilee RudlaffKalamazoo Central11.0
1012Peyton LudwigForest Hills Central11.6
1110Lilamae FrankBattle Creek Lakeview12.7
1211Sydney LawByron Center13.3
139Roxanne JorgensenPortage Northern14.4
1410Enna WainerGrand Rapids Ottawa Hills15.5
1510Rhea MouwPortage Central16.4
169Olivia StorteboomPortage Central17.1
1712Lexi HurstEast Kentwood21.0
1812Julia MoxeyEast Kentwood21.8
1911Daphne BallByron Center21.8
2010Olivia StacyPortage Northern22.6
2111Reese HansenGrand Rapids Ottawa Hills23.4
2212Alyssa HintonBattle Creek Lakeview24.6
2311Rachel GriceKalamazoo Central25.4
2411Ella HarlowPortage Northern26.7
2512MK ElliottPortage Central26.7
2610Lilah YoderForest Hills Central26.7
2711Claire O’BoyleLowell29.6
2811Sofia BogardKalamazoo Loy Norrix30.4
2912Addison BegemanPortage Central30.7
3011Mia StibitzForest Hills Central31.3

Any Intriguing Battles?

The many contenders for this third spot. Portage Central, slotted in second, may benefit from a home course advantage. But I wouldn’t be shocked with any order here. Byron Center is probably the favorite, a solid team all year that just recently won at Sturgis and placed 4th in the notoriously tough OK White. A darkhorse and wild card could be Kalamazoo Central, who at this past weekend’s SMAC Championship, sent three girls under 20:00.

BOYS

Ranked Teams

#6 Kalamazoo Central
#10 Forest Hills Central
#21 Portage Central
#23 East Kentwood

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

Likely around 15th place even if the third team is Portage Central or East Kentwood. Tons of great individuals here that should push back those two top-10 teams.

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Kalamazoo Central1.1619395+
2Forest Hills Central2.082795+
3Portage Central3.1106 83
4East Kentwood4.0121 16
5Byron Center5.1145  
6Caledonia6.5169  
7Battle Creek Lakeview6.5169  
8Kalamazoo Loy Norrix8.2203  
9Forest Hills Northern8.6212  
10Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills10.1248  
11Lowell11.0273  
12Portage Northern11.9295  
13Mattawan13.0327  

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Aiden MooreBattle Creek Lakeview1.2
212Jasper CaneKalamazoo Central2.1
312Liam WaltersGrand Rapids Ottawa Hills3.7
411Evan NickolesEast Kentwood5.7
59Samuel BakerKalamazoo Central8.4
612Logan BegemanPortage Central9.0
79Ben RomeroForest Hills Central10.0
811Jonah BillsBattle Creek Lakeview10.5
911Sawyer McCarthyForest Hills Central10.7
1011Isaac TanisEast Kentwood11.2
1111Mitchell JeruzalByron Center11.4
1210Logan WestgatePortage Central12.6
1310Dylan DuguayKalamazoo Loy Norrix15.6
1410Ty BillingsKalamazoo Central16.1
1510Jackson LamKalamazoo Loy Norrix16.7
1611Kort ThompsonCaledonia17.1
1711Joseph SpadaKalamazoo Central18.2
1812Parker LudwigForest Hills Central18.2
1912Levi GreenByron Center19.0
2010Andrew WrightKalamazoo Central20.3
2111Jacob SanfordForest Hills Central20.9
2212Will BanfieldForest Hills Central22.1
2311Spencer ParkerPortage Central23.2
2411Spencer PorterForest Hills Northern23.8
259Memphis ConnorByron Center25.7
2610Elijah ThompsonKalamazoo Central25.9
2712Hudson KempermanForest Hills Northern26.5
2810Eli VeltingCaledonia28.4
2912Mark MillardByron Center30.1
3012Reponse ShemaEast Kentwood31.0

Any Intriguing Battles?

A great aspect of athleticnet is being able to filter a meet’s results. For instance, three weeks ago on this very course, you can look at all the Region 3 teams from the Portage Invite. There, Portage Central had four boys sub-17, and when scored with only Region 3 teams, beat the Falcons by 14 points. But the Falcons just didn’t have a day. Portage is a fair course, ripe for PR’s when running in a massive, competitive field. And the Falcons didn’t obtain any from their varsity boys. Those PR’s came this past week at the OK Red Championship, where the Falcons placed 3rd and six boys nailed sub-17’s.

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2023 Regional Projections: Sharp Park Regional

Finally, the start of the season we’ve all been waiting for. Throw out all the fast times from September, but apply all the lessons learned through the summer and fall. Regional week is here and with it comes the many projections and previews I’ll write.

Just as last year and throughout the season, I’m projecting these using race simulations. Through a season’s worth of speed ratings, one can determine a runner’s average rating and the variability of those ratings. Both those factors are then weighed towards more recent meets, which are then simulated thousands of times using a Monte Carlo analysis (also described by TullyRunners here). Over those thousands of race simulations, one can determine a team’s average place and average score, a runner’s average place, odds on winning, and odds on qualifying.

These are useful in cross country scenarios, where you have consistent runners and those who are a bit more up and down. For example:

Tanner TimeTanner RatingTanner Avg.Tanner StDev.
15:30210  
15:45205  
16:00200  
16:15195  
16:301902007.91
MIXCSR TimeMIXCSR RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDev.
16:09197  
16:12196  
16:15195  
16:18194  
16:211931951.58

Jacob at his best might be faster than I in four of the five races during the season. I’d almost never be All-State in Division 1, but he might contend for a top-5 spot or place 60th.

If we did 20 simulations, this is how it might turn out:

RaceTanner Avg.Tanner StDevTanner RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDevMIXCSR Rating
12007.9202.11951.6195.6
22007.9196.21951.6194.1
32007.9190.01951.6199.2
42007.9193.41951.6192.5
52007.9206.81951.6195.7
62007.9201.81951.6196.1
72007.9171.61951.6194.9
82007.9189.21951.6195.9
92007.9205.51951.6197.0
102007.9203.81951.6192.6
112007.9192.31951.6196.5
122007.9196.91951.6196.4
132007.9198.51951.6195.6
142007.9203.21951.6194.1
152007.9193.91951.6192.6
162007.9199.31951.6193.2
172007.9208.71951.6194.2
182007.9213.71951.6194.6
192007.9212.61951.6197.1
202007.9206.31951.6193.9

I’d win four times, but I’d never have the ability to win a title like he had in Race 18. He’s usually All-State, but may cost his team a title through his effort in Race 7.

The simulations give the possibilities of those scenarios and all the various scoring scripts. A sixth girl that can pop off on any certain day, a reliable boy who always runs 17-flat, you name it. Hopefully, they better elucidate our contenders, qualifiers, and how these races play out over the weekend.

But always remember, races aren’t run on paper or on a computer. These projections are meant to better our sport, give more attention where little is given. Although I take pride in their accuracy, this endeavor would be quite boring if it were always perfect. I look forward to these being proven wrong and I expect to hear about it as well.

SUMMER PREVIEW
MID-SEASON

GIRLS

Ranked Teams

#4 Hillsdale Academy
#16 Pittsford

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

20th Place

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Hillsdale Academy1.03495+95+
2Pittsford2.05395+
3Addison3.07795+
4Adrian Lenawee Christian4.089
5Camden-Frontier5.0106

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
111Izzy BrooksAdrian Lenawee Christian1.0
212Brooke SmithPittsford2.1
311Ella WaltonHillsdale Academy4.3
410Ruth BrownleeHillsdale Academy4.8
511Ava MallarPittsford5.1
611Stephanie HernandezAddison6.7
711Riley McCumberPittsford6.9
811Caroline RobertsHillsdale Academy8.9
910Abby BrownleeHillsdale Academy9.2
1011Aubrey ApplemanBritton Deerfield10.8
1112Leah RorickMorenci11.3
129Allie MillerHillsdale Academy11.7
139Grace BrownleeHillsdale Academy12.0
149Audrey NehlsenHillsdale Academy13.3
1511Priya MericleEast Jackson14.4
1610Emersyn BachelderMorenci14.4
179Lillian JagielskiPittsford17.1
189Kendalyn PerryAddison18.8
1911Taylor LautermilchCamden-Frontier19.5
2010Grace RaymondPetersburg-Summerfield20.8
2110Ayla HopkinsCamden-Frontier21.8
229Gigi MastersAdrian Lenawee Christian23.7
2311Allison MorrisAddison24.7
2412Maggie FrostAddison25.2
2512Sayra HernandezAddison25.3
2612Kariana CarpenterJackson Preparatory25.8
2711Sophia FalaterReading25.8
2812Paige SantiReading27.5
2912Faith SecorPetersburg-Summerfield27.8
3011Averil MillerCamden-Frontier28.7

Any Intriguing Battles?

The top three teams seem set, but I might look to what Izzy Brooks can throw down or how Hillsdale Academy’s pack appears. The Colts have seven solid girls that could play a role next week. Izzy had a nice rebound from the Lenawee County race, winning the Class D meet at Shepherd in 19:16. With its gradual downhills, Jackson can run fast. If she goes for it, I wouldn’t be shocked to see another low-19 (or faster) performance.

BOYS

Ranked Teams

Boys

#1 Hillsdale Academy
#16 East Jackson
#25 Adrian Lenawee Christian

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

20th Place

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Hillsdale Academy1.02795+95+
2East Jackson2.178 95+
3Adrian Lenawee Christian3.394 74
4Morenci4.0100 25
5Jackson Preparatory4.7108  
6Britton Deerfield6.4173  
7Reading6.6177  
8Vandercook Lake8.0204  
9Addison9.0229  

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Thomas HolmHillsdale Academy1.0
212Michael AllenEast Jackson2.4
310Grayson RorickHillsdale Academy2.7
411Reece PooleHillsdale Academy4.4
512Javin MericleEast Jackson4.6
611Joel LangeAdrian Lenawee Christian6.9
712Nathan DanielsAdrian Lenawee Christian8.4
810Henry LindleyHillsdale Academy9.1
912William KennedyEast Jackson9.9
109Landon WilkinsMorenci11.2
1111Beau ShafferMorenci11.3
129Ryan MillerHillsdale Academy11.4
1310James RaheHillsdale Academy11.7
1412Karol SchlueterHillsdale Academy13.7
1511Zachary MartinezMorenci14.9
1611Jameson WatsonBritton Deerfield16.3
1712Noah BlondkeJackson Preparatory17.3
1812Nathan BlondkeJackson Preparatory18.5
1911Diego BoColeJackson Preparatory20.4
2012Kutter VanakenReading20.7
2110Dallas SwaenepoelVandercook Lake21.1
2211Kaleb RichardsonAdrian Lenawee Christian23.2
2310Pierson CousinoAdrian Lenawee Christian23.7
2410Corey DubnickiJackson Preparatory25.4
259Noah LucasAddison26.0
2611Ryan GoodBritton Deerfield28.1
2710Brayden WrightReading30.5
2811Logan MishawJackson Preparatory30.7
2912Colton RaffensbergerEast Jackson30.9
3012Randy ReddickEast Jackson31.7

Any Intriguing Battles?

These last few weeks, we’ve got a few examples of the impending Adrian Lenawee Christian vs. Morenci matchup on the boys side. Lenawee Christian took the first two battles at the TCC Final and the Lenawee County Championship, while Morenci came through up at Class D this past weekend. Beau Schaffer easily had his best effort of the year, coming in before any ALC athlete. Could that be enough to lead the Bulldogs into the 3rd spot?

SUMMER PREVIEW
MID-SEASON

GIRLS

Ranked Teams

#1 Jackson Lumen Christi
#13 Hanover-Horton
#23 Onsted

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

20th Place

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Jackson Lumen Christi1.02895+95+
2Hanover-Horton2.07095+
3Onsted3.09995+
4Hudson4.4142
5Quincy4.7145
6Bronson6.3172
7Napoleon6.6175
8Jonesville8.3214
9Hillsdale9.2232
10Homer9.5238
11Sand Creek11.2277
12Michigan Center11.8293

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Madison OsterbergJackson Lumen Christi1.1
211Emmry RossOnsted1.9
39Samantha SchroederJackson Lumen Christi3.1
412Olivia PerrineHanover-Horton4.8
510Macy FazekasJackson Lumen Christi5.8
610Ashlynn HarrisBronson7.1
712Sophia ReynoldsHanover-Horton7.7
811Chloe StalhoodHillsdale8.4
911Layla LopezJackson Lumen Christi8.8
1011Ava HathawayBronson9.0
1112Sydney FazekasJackson Lumen Christi9.7
1211Thia TelloJackson Lumen Christi12.2
139Kendyl MusielewiezQuincy13.1
1412Julianna Debozy-CrawfordHanover-Horton15.5
1511Jayla BrightHudson16.6
169Brynlee SwihartHanover-Horton17.0
1710Brookelyn ParkerQuincy17.4
1811Allie EnglandOnsted17.6
1910Raegan BrosamerOnsted17.9
2011Karly PageJonesville19.7
2110Annabelle CzeiszpergerHudson22.9
2212Sadie MillerQuincy23.5
2310Sophie PatrickHomer24.3
2411Lauren McLainNapoleon24.7
2512Lily MasonHanover-Horton25.6
2611Mia SanchezJackson Lumen Christi26.6
2710Makenzy LindemannNapoleon27.5
2812Madelyn NormanNapoleon28.7
299Izabel RaglowOnsted28.8
3011Pierce PibblesHudson31.3

Any Intriguing Battles?

Not especially, as the top three girls teams appear to be heavy favorites to make it out. This region benefitted from the loss of Leslie, a school in the vicinity of Jackson that moved to Region 26. This opened the door for teams such as Onsted and Hanover-Horton to have a greater chance at qualifying.

BOYS

Ranked Teams

#4 Hanover-Horton
#8 Jonesville
#9 Jackson Lumen Christi

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

18th Place

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Hanover-Horton1.1539395+
2Jonesville2.471795+
3Jackson Lumen Christi2.573 95+
4Hillsdale4.2152  
5Brooklyn Columbia Central5.9177  
6Hudson6.0178  
7Onsted7.8196  
8Adrian Madison7.9197  
9Bronson8.1199  
10Homer9.5214  
11Napoleon11.2239  
12Sand Creek11.4240  
13Michigan Center13.0349  
14Quincy14.0405  

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
111Isaiah DinvernoJackson Lumen Christi1.1
211Mitchell HiattOnsted2.1
311Landen BoulisHanover-Horton4.3
412Evan ShepherdHanover-Horton4.6
512Gavin VanKampenJonesville5.2
612Nolan GrantHillsdale6.1
712Gannon ShoreJackson Lumen Christi6.9
89Caleb BlondeJonesville7.3
912Alex CzeiszpergerHudson9.3
1010Zach HassenzahlHanover-Horton11.4
1110John EdlerHomer11.4
1210Gibson ShoreJackson Lumen Christi14.0
1310Nicholas FowlerJonesville14.7
1412Owen BrownHanover-Horton14.8
159Logan YoungmanHillsdale15.4
1612Kyler PequetNapoleon16.3
179Cooper FlickHanover-Horton18.3
1811Jack GortonBrooklyn Columbia Central19.9
1910Trenton FetterAdrian Madison19.9
2011Isaac St. JohnHudson20.5
2112David FowlerJonesville21.9
229Avery MorrowJackson Lumen Christi22.0
239Silas DanielsSand Creek24.9
249Collin FucileJonesville25.2
2510Paul McClureAdrian Madison25.9
2610Wyatt VowellBrooklyn Columbia Central26.7
2711James BayesOnsted27.0
28Rocky BoltonJackson Lumen Christi29.4
2912Caleb DickinsonHomer30.3
3011Owen LambarthBrooklyn Columbia Central30.8

Any Intriguing Battles?

Another thing to add to the list of Michigan XC Maxims (St. Louis comes through at the end of the year, watch out for Pinckney at Portage, always believe in Sal’s Magic) is to always count on Hanover-Horton. Ranked outside the top-10 to begin the year, the Comets have been a steady presence in the upper echelon of the D3 rankings.But beware, Jonesville is living up to those rankings, winning the Cascades Conference thanks to a huge performance from David Fowler. Lingering a bit behind the two were the Lumen Christi boys, but I always feel like the LC teams live on the Sharp Park course.

Uncategorized

2023 Regional Projections: Shepherd Regional

Finally, the start of the season we’ve all been waiting for. Throw out all the fast times from September, but apply all the lessons learned through the summer and fall. Regional week is here and with it comes the many projections and previews I’ll write.

Just as last year and throughout the season, I’m projecting these using race simulations. Through a season’s worth of speed ratings, one can determine a runner’s average rating and the variability of those ratings. Both those factors are then weighed towards more recent meets, which are then simulated thousands of times using a Monte Carlo analysis (also described by TullyRunners here). Over those thousands of race simulations, one can determine a team’s average place and average score, a runner’s average place, odds on winning, and odds on qualifying.

These are useful in cross country scenarios, where you have consistent runners and those who are a bit more up and down. For example:

Tanner TimeTanner RatingTanner Avg.Tanner StDev.
15:30210  
15:45205  
16:00200  
16:15195  
16:301902007.91
MIXCSR TimeMIXCSR RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDev.
16:09197  
16:12196  
16:15195  
16:18194  
16:211931951.58

Jacob at his best might be faster than I in four of the five races during the season. I’d almost never be All-State in Division 1, but he might contend for a top-5 spot or place 60th.

If we did 20 simulations, this is how it might turn out:

RaceTanner Avg.Tanner StDevTanner RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDevMIXCSR Rating
12007.9202.11951.6195.6
22007.9196.21951.6194.1
32007.9190.01951.6199.2
42007.9193.41951.6192.5
52007.9206.81951.6195.7
62007.9201.81951.6196.1
72007.9171.61951.6194.9
82007.9189.21951.6195.9
92007.9205.51951.6197.0
102007.9203.81951.6192.6
112007.9192.31951.6196.5
122007.9196.91951.6196.4
132007.9198.51951.6195.6
142007.9203.21951.6194.1
152007.9193.91951.6192.6
162007.9199.31951.6193.2
172007.9208.71951.6194.2
182007.9213.71951.6194.6
192007.9212.61951.6197.1
202007.9206.31951.6193.9

I’d win four times, but I’d never have the ability to win a title like he had in Race 18. He’s usually All-State, but may cost his team a title through his effort in Race 7.

The simulations give the possibilities of those scenarios and all the various scoring scripts. A sixth girl that can pop off on any certain day, a reliable boy who always runs 17-flat, you name it. Hopefully, they better elucidate our contenders, qualifiers, and how these races play out over the weekend.

But always remember, races aren’t run on paper or on a computer. These projections are meant to better our sport, give more attention where little is given. Although I take pride in their accuracy, this endeavor would be quite boring if it were always perfect. I look forward to these being proven wrong and I expect to hear about it as well.

SUMMER PREVIEW
MID-SEASON

GIRLS

Ranked Teams

#7 Caro
#10 Ithaca
#22 St. Louis

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

15th Place

Projected PlaceGirls TeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Caro1.2487695+
2Ithaca1.8562495+
3St. Louis3.010095+
4Saginaw Valley Lutheran4.6138
5Sanford-Meridian5.2147
6Pigeon-Laker6.1156
7Midland Bullock Creek6.3159
8Cass City8.2186
9Pinconning8.7202
10Millington10.1263
11Bad Axe10.9293
12Carrollton12.0364

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Jenna SweeneyReese1.9
211Kaya VrableCaro3.0
312Liliana LehnstIthaca3.1
412Jaiden DickmanSt. Louis3.8
512Kinsie JacquesPinconning4.6
612Paige HerronCaro6.3
710Myleigh HephnerIthaca8.0
812Claire NeumannSaginaw Valley Lutheran8.4
910Mattie GagneMidland Bullock Creek8.9
109Makinna FoglesongIthaca9.1
119Pyper BraunPigeon-Laker11.2
1212Faith SwenorCaro13.3
1312Rachael WalchCaro14.0
1411Maddie HuysentruytSandusky15.1
159Mikenna NagelSanford-Meridian15.2
1610Alexis FabbroVassar17.5
1712Alexa LongCaro17.9
1811Abby DiceSt. Louis18.7
199Olivia HooperPigeon-Laker19.5
2010Carla CortesCass City23.5
2110Aubrey ZarnkePigeon-Laker24.7
2210Braylee RiceReese25.1
2310Emma DaweIthaca26.6
2412Emma HaynesSaginaw Valley Lutheran26.9
2510Izabelle LaLoneIthaca26.9
2611Autumn FransenMidland Bullock Creek28.2
279Lilly MannSt. Louis28.6
2812Natalie LemertSt. Louis28.8
299Haley FitzgibbonSanford-Meridian28.9
3010Emma FisherReese30.5

Any Intriguing Battles?

Caro and Ithaca for the championship. The Yellowjackets have been coming on strong lately, placing 4th in the TVC Overall Meet, their top-5 all hitting a season or personal best. The teams have only matched up once – early in the season here at John Bruder, where Caro was ahead by nearly 100 points, the majority of those points coming from the 4th and 5th spots. These projections show a bit closer gap for their 4th spot, but still a considerable one at 5.

(And you might be wondering why each of their 1st girls are projected to be 2nd. Essentially, Vrable and Lehnst are inseparable and since these are based off simulations of many races, both of their average finishing places in the team race are near 2nd)

BOYS

Ranked Teams

#11 St. Louis
#13 Ithaca
#15 Midland Bullock Creek

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

15th Place

Projected PlaceBoys TeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1St. Louis1.1588995+
2Ithaca2.172895+
3Midland Bullock Creek2.88495+
4Sanford-Meridian4.4118
5Pigeon-Laker4.8125
6Caro5.8139
7Reese7.0174
8Otisville LakeVille8.0210
9Saginaw Valley Lutheran9.1248
10Hemlock10.7280
11Cass City11.0284
12Vassar11.3286
13Millington12.9304
14Carrollton14.0363

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Ben MarchSt. Louis1.2
211Landon PestrueSt. Louis2.3
310Landen StykaIthaca3.4
411Tyler HealSanford-Meridian4.0
512Bailey WigginsMidland Bullock Creek7.1
612Matthew PattulloCaro7.3
711Brayden SweeneyMidland Bullock Creek7.7
811Cade TruemnerPigeon-Laker8.5
911Miingen BertrandIthaca8.9
109Luke HerronCaro9.0
1110Tyler LeachOtisville LakeVille9.7
1210Jacob MankeyIthaca14.8
139Evan OlsonPigeon-Laker16.0
1411Jacob MooreCaro16.2
1512Elliot NoyesSanford-Meridian16.5
1610Duane DavisMidland Bullock Creek17.6
1710Hayden ShattuckSt. Louis17.9
1810Alex RodriguezSt. Louis17.9
1911Colin KuhnSt. Louis19.1
2010Jayden FoxSaginaw Valley Lutheran20.7
2111Brent DeSaegherIthaca21.7
2211Connor KennedyOtisville LakeVille22.5
2312Marc WoodsMidland Bullock Creek23.3
2410Logan BrawtSanford-Meridian23.7
2510Thad WhitmoreIthaca24.0
2612Matthew JohnstonHemlock26.2
2712Konnor OlsonPigeon-Laker26.9
289Marshall BrandtMidland Bullock Creek29.3
299Robby SambornSaginaw Valley Lutheran29.4
3010Wesley HainesReese30.7

Any Intriguing Battles?

St. Louis vs. Ithaca for the top spot. Although the Sharks have taken all of the matchups in league competition this year, the 2nd TVC Jamboree shows a pathway to a Yellowjacket victory. In late September, Ithaca put five guys in front of St. Louis’s 4th, coming within 4 points of the Sharks. Though the firepower from March and Pestrue up front may be too much of a gap to come back from.

SUMMER PREVIEW
MID-SEASON

GIRLS

Ranked Teams

#3 Goodrich
#7 Frankenmuth
#13 Freeland
#19 Alma

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

21st Place… but top-15 is automatic

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Goodrich1.04395+95+
2Frankenmuth2.16495+
3Freeland3.08095+
4Alma4.097
5Shepherd5.3192
6Flint Powers Catholic6.2206
7Flint Kearsley6.7217
8Saginaw Swan Valley8.0245
9Clio9.7284
10Birch Run10.5295
11Imlay City11.2304
12Essexville-Garber12.0315
13Ortonville Brandon12.5318
14North Branch13.2326
15Bay City John Glenn14.7361

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Mary RichmondFrankenmuth1.4
211Kamryn LauingerGoodrich2.4
311Ezgi KurtAlma3.4
49Clara KaczorFreeland4.5
510Natalie FoltzFrankenmuth5.9
611Layla JordanGoodrich6.3
710Samantha BrownClio6.6
89Lucy ConzelmannFrankenmuth8.2
99Baylor LauingerGoodrich8.9
109Kylie MausolfBirch Run9.4
1111Joy EvansAlma10.7
129Claire BrownGoodrich12.9
1311Karie KeeferFreeland13.5
1411Avery ByrneGoodrich14.2
1510Elise BardenFrankenmuth18.4
1610Jada PrescottFreeland18.8
179Grace MahaffyGoodrich18.9
189Molly GaudardFlint Kearsley19.3
199Alivia OttingerGoodrich19.6
2011Grace MurphyFlint Powers Catholic19.9
2112Ava BoggsFlint Kearsley20.7
2211Landrey KuhnFreeland20.8
2312Paige KlohaFreeland22.4
249Alexa PalmerAlma24.8
2512Hannah RaglinAlma26.0
2611Reese BeerySaginaw Swan Valley26.8
2711Heather BrownleeEssexville-Garber31.6
2812Madison GimmeyShepherd31.9
2911Vivian WickesAlma33.4
3010Sophia CieslaEssexville-Garber34.2

Any Intriguing Battles?

Me vs. the site selection committee. No one really responded to my lengthy writeup over the summer. I really wish there was more transparency and communication as to why teams have to travel 1.5+ hours to regionals when there’s one right down the street.

BOYS

Ranked Teams

#6 Alma
#13 Frankenmuth
#17 Flint Powers Catholic
#23 Clio
#25 Flint Kearsley

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

15th Place

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Alma1.06595+95+
2Frankenmuth2.288 95+
3Flint Powers Catholic2.9100 87
4Clio4.0117 14
5Flint Kearsley5.5136  
6Shepherd5.9139  
7Freeland6.5147  
8Saginaw Swan Valley8.1207  
9Goodrich8.9230  
10Birch Run10.1264  
11Ortonville Brandon10.9282  
12Bay City Central12.0316  
13Imlay City13.0371  
14North Branch14.0398  
15Bay City John Glenn15.0434  

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
111TJ HansenFreeland1.0
212Elliott SirianniClio2.6
310Thomas LarsonAlma3.4
49Ezekiel BaltierraAlma4.6
512David MurphyFlint Powers Catholic6.1
69Bryce CahoonShepherd6.5
711Nolan LonguskiShepherd7.3
812Andrew YaxClio8.1
910Brett MagnusFrankenmuth8.8
1011Landen WiseFrankenmuth11.0
1112Ali KudmaniAlma12.2
1210Bryce GrossFlint Powers Catholic12.4
1311Jack LillywhiteFlint Kearsley12.6
1410Murphy WagnerSaginaw Swan Valley14.1
1511Cougar ClarkFrankenmuth15.9
1611Owen FennellySaginaw Swan Valley16.3
1710Vincent PattisonGoodrich16.4
1810Anthony PlanaFrankenmuth16.5
1912Peter HueyFlint Powers Catholic20.2
2011Ethan SellersFlint Kearsley21.0
2111Camden McLeodFreeland21.2
2210Elijah BaltierraAlma21.6
2311Bodie HeissAlma23.6
2410Ian McNeelShepherd27.8
2512Jack RumptzBirch Run27.8
2612Alex LillywhiteFlint Kearsley28.1
2712Evan YaxClio28.8
2812Keiran MurphyFlint Powers Catholic29.4
2910Cole FernandezFlint Kearsley31.2
3011Sam NemethFreeland31.9

Any Intriguing Battles?

Flint Powers Catholic vs. Clio for the third team qualifier. Despite being 20 miles apart from one another, the two aren’t in the same league nor did they lock heads at Greater Flint. The most recent matchup was at Shepherd, which had a similar result to the what the projections project. Clio is strong up front, led by Sirianni and Yax, while Powers gains an advantage at their 3rd – 5th finishers. The factor, as always in cross country scoring, is one of gaps and bubbles. Will there be a large enough gap at the front to mitigate Powers toward the middle of the pack?

SUMMER
MID-SEASON

GIRLS

Ranked Teams

#8 Okemos
#9 Traverse City West
#22 Traverse City Central

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

21st Place, but as always, top-15 is guaranteed

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Okemos1.3527595+
2Traverse City West1.8612595+
3Traverse City Central3.411159
4Bay City Western3.611441
5H.H. Dow5.1159
6Grand Ledge6.5190
7Holt7.4203
8Alpena7.6205
9Midland8.4218
10Mt. Pleasant10.5270
11East Lansing11.2280
12Greenville11.7291
13Saginaw Heritage12.7319
14Lansing Everett14.0467

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Katie WatkinsH.H. Dow1.3
212Shannon GillahanOkemos2.7
311Isabelle BeckerBay City Western4.6
412Ella KirkwoodTraverse City Central5.7
511Lauren WalkerHolt6.1
69Gabriella FugazziOkemos6.7
710Abby VeitTraverse City West7.7
812Ava KingTraverse City West8.8
912Alexis BallTraverse City Central9.3
109Tessa MascariTraverse City West12.3
1110Aviana SkinnerGrand Ledge14.2
1212Lily SalazarOkemos14.6
1310October HarnsOkemos15.7
1412Nicole MaysOkemos15.9
1510Reese SmithTraverse City West16.0
169Jaclyn SudermanBay City Western17.0
1711Sydney RobertsH.H. Dow17.2
1810Elizabeth SchaferOkemos18.0
1911Alyssa FoucheyTraverse City West20.1
2010Payton LambTraverse City West20.8
2110Lydia JaggerGrand Ledge21.6
2211Ella ReavesHolt22.0
2311Abby MinnickEast Lansing22.2
2410Gracelin MartinGreenville22.4
2510Peyton TuckerTraverse City West22.9
2612Bryna Mead-O’BrienOkemos25.4
2712Emma DickinsAlpena26.4
2810Sienna CobbTraverse City Central27.4
2912Samantha ZolnierekAlpena29.4
3010Madison AtenGrand Ledge30.1

Any Intriguing Battles?

Okemos vs. Traverse City West for the regional championship. Two teams that get it done in largely the same manner, strong packs with a ton of depth. I can see both teams outperforming their state projections given their strength through all varsity runners. Last year it was the Chiefs who were able to place all five scorers in the top-21 en route to a victory.

Traverse City Central vs. Bay City Western for the final qualifying spot. Two teams with tons of tradition and experienced coaches to have their runners performing their best come late October. Last year, it was Traverse City Central. At Portage, the two teams finished a spot away from one another.

BOYS

Ranked Teams

#17 Bay City Western
#19 Traverse City Central
#27 Traverse City West

Projected Individual Qualifier Cutoff

15th Place

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. PlaceAvg. ScoreWin %Qualify %
1Traverse City Central1.4626795+
2Bay City Western1.7703295+
3Traverse City West3.4103 58
4Okemos3.5107 44
5Saginaw Heritage5.8161  
6Midland6.0161  
7East Lansing7.4179  
8Grand Ledge7.5181  
9H.H. Dow8.4190  
10Alpena10.0247  
11Mt. Pleasant11.0298  
12Greenville12.0334  
13Holt13.0382  
14Lansing Everett14.0447  

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Noah SelvarajBay City Western1.0
212Willem DeGoodTraverse City West3.1
312Zack TruszkowskiTraverse City Central3.2
412Colin MacGregorH.H. Dow5.9
510John BlaskowskiSaginaw Heritage6.0
610Caleb KellerTraverse City Central6.0
710Ian MorganOkemos7.1
89Liam WierzbaTraverse City West9.8
910Benjamin RottierGrand Ledge10.0
1012Kenny LewisSaginaw Heritage10.3
1111Andrew KaczmarczykBay City Western10.6
1212Michael CyrulEast Lansing11.8
1312Miles KillipsBay City Western14.9
149Luke BylandTraverse City Central16.1
1510Preston VanOeffelenGreenville16.6
1611Ian BossTraverse City Central17.8
1712Eden LampiEast Lansing19.4
1812Sam KingTraverse City West20.1
1911Nathan WilkinsonOkemos21.2
2011Logan GrillsBay City Western21.4
2111Logan GehoskiBay City Western22.4
2210Andrew WorsleyMidland23.8
2312Jon KurowskiAlpena24.9
2411Nathan BeemerOkemos26.4
2512Logan NorthropMt. Pleasant26.8
2612Mateo ReyesMidland26.9
2710Ben IrwinTraverse City West27.3
2810Malcolm CesarioOkemos28.7
2912Alex MoreyTraverse City Central28.9
3012Alex DurocherTraverse City Central29.0

Any Intriguing Battles?

Flip the script from the girls, keep the same teams.

Traverse City Central vs. Bay City Western for the boys win. BCW always, and I mean ALWAYS outperforms these projections. They’re experienced up front and have great memories here, last year coming together for an upset to grab the third spot.  TC Central is quite a bit younger, but led by the steady Zach Truszkowski up front. At Portage, BCW put their 5th and 6th boys ahead of TCC’s 5th, with a 30 second gap between their final scorers. A big difference there and perhaps enough here even in a smaller field.

Traverse City West vs. Okemos boys for the third spot. Once again, we can look to Portage, where Okemos was able to throw four guys under 17:00. Their 5th and 6th runners were in the mid-17’s, but both had a significant gap over TCW’s 5th. It all depends where runners are concentrated. If a huge percentage of the field comes in between 17:00 and 17:20, TCW might have enough firepower up front. 17:20 and 17:45, Okemos’ depth reigns supreme. Guess we’ll find out Friday…