West Ottawa Bredeweg
Girls: Jenison vs. Byron Center. Neither were projected to make it out to States in the regional preview, but both have found early success. West Ottawa is on another level, but Hudsonville looks like they could be a target for both. Jenison has ran many races so far, so we have a good idea what they’re about, but one result from Byron Center. McKenna Hinkle, Anna Millard, and Talia Wilder were able to pack up, benefiting Byron Center on their way to a 2nd place finish at Saranac.
Running Fit-Detroit Mercy Titans Longest Named Invitational Ever
Boys: Carter Solomon vs. Anthony Hancock. On paper this looks to be an equal race. Hancock has run 216, 216, and 222 in his three races this year, Solomon has gone 221 and 224. According to his coach, Hancock is saving himself for this duel, Solomon received a scare from Owen Huard. Their track times are within seconds of one another. The real money is made in November, but this could be a fun race to watch.
Ramblin’ Rock
Girls: Plymouth vs. Salem. Salem had a little surprise for me last week with freshman Isabell Kulick. No middle school XC results from her last year, 5:57 on the track in the spring. BOOM, 19:28 at A2 Early Bird (146). For the most part, Plymouth’s girls ran better at A2 than at South Lyon, which is to be expected, getting that first race under your belt. Lindsay Ripple in particular stood out, setting a 10 second PR on a hot day.
Homer
Girls: Hudson vs. Pittsford. An early look at the region from hell, Region 34-4. My projections had these two teams as 3rd and 4th here, respectively. Pittsford has raced twice already, neither meet had results I could pull ratings from. In the Lenawee Preview, Amber Czeiszperger was their first runner, able to run 25 seconds faster than she did the previous year.
Hatchet
Boys: Deckerville vs. Mayville. Over in Region 35, one must believe Unionville-Sebewaing and Breckenridge are clear favorites to advance. Thus far, Mayville and Deckerville have been fairly even. Deckerville may make their hay in this matchup via their 5th-7th runners. The addition of Kendall Dumaw into their top 7 is a boon, he dropped some serious time between his first two races and is likely to show more improvement, as freshmen are wont to do.
Charlevoix Mud Run
Girls: Harbor Springs vs. Charlevoix. Roscommon (who designed their logo on a.net? I love it.) has had a great start to the season, St. Francis is a standard known quality. Which places more importance on these two teams. Harbor Springs can count on Jordan and Katelyn Drayer as an advantage, Charlevoix can count on Annie Bergmann and Makayla Sharrow. At Ryan Shay, Charlevoix drew first blood. At East Jordan, Harbor Springs returned the favor.
Bath
Girls: Forest Hills Eastern vs. everyone. East Grand Rapids, St. Johns, and Lansing Catholic are also in their region. I knew they had a decent team, but didn’t think they could break into that triumvirate. Joey Egby has been the real surprise so far, dropping her Saranac time by 1:45 from last year. Her track efforts seem to match her ratings at this point, maybe I’ll have to give those more weight next year.
Michigan XC Speed Ratings 