Highlights Abound at MHSAA LP State Finals
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Division 1
The Michigan Lower Peninsula State Finals for Division 1 showcased outstanding cross country talent, highlighted by Seth Conner from Jenison, who claimed the individual title with a time of 14:54.50. Aidan Pengelly of Canton finished strong in second at 15:01.00, followed closely by Kyle O'Rourke of Highland Milford in third with 15:02.00. On the team side, Northville emerged victorious with 99 points, showcasing a well-balanced roster that averaged 15:39 and included strong finishes from their top runners.
On the girls side, Victoria Garces of Midland Dow secured the individual title with an impressive time of 16:37.10. Garces stayed undefeated on the season and has now clocked three straight performances under 17 minutes for the 5K. Helen Sachs from Holland West Ottawa followed closely, finishing in second at 17:01.70, while Ann Arbor Pioneer's Natasza Dudek claimed third with a time of 17:04.10. The team title went to Romeo, who amassed 61 points with a strong average time of 17:55, demonstrating their depth with an impressive 27-second split from their first to fifth runners.
Division 2
In the Division 2 race at the Michigan Lower Peninsula State Finals, TJ Hansen from Freeland claimed the individual championship with a time of 14:50.50. Jack Bidwell of Marshall finished strong in second place at 14:57.30, followed closely by Henry Dixon from Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern, who took third with a time of 15:04.20. The team title was secured by Allendale, who dominated the competition with 78 points and a solid average time of 15:35, showcasing their depth with a tight 24-second split from their top five runners.
In the Division 2 girls' race at the Michigan Lower Peninsula State Finals, Ava Schafer of St. Johns captured the individual title with a time of 17:20.70, while Emma Hoffman from Otsego finished in second at 17:31.00. The team championship went to Goodrich, which amassed 134 points and maintained an impressive average time of 18:56, demonstrating their competitive depth with a narrow 33-second split among their top five runners. Zeeland East followed closely in second place with 150 points.
Division 3
In the Division 3 boys' race at the Michigan Lower Peninsula State Finals, Mitchell Hiatt from Onsted claimed the individual title with a time of 15:15.50, winning by an impressive 17 seconds. Traverse City St. Francis secured the team championship with a total of 86 points and an average time of 16:05. Their scoring runners included Riley Pattinson, who finished ninth with a time of 15:51.90, and William Ready, who crossed the line in tenth at 15:52.20, highlighting the team's depth and consistency.
In the Division 3 girls' race at the Michigan Lower Peninsula State Finals, Kyah Hoffman of Stanton Central Montcalm earned the individual title with a time of 17:31.60. She was followed by Eliza Bush from Ypsilanti Arbor Preparatory, who finished second in 17:50.20, and Lila Volkers of Kent City, who secured third with a time of 17:55.20. The team title went to Lansing Catholic, which amassed 136 points and averaged 19:40 across their scoring runners, showcasing a solid performance throughout the meet. Pewamo-Westphalia finished as the runner-up with 147 points.
Divison 4
In the Division 4 race at the Michigan Lower Peninsula State Finals, Marek Butkiewicz of Kalamazoo Hackett secured the individual championship with a time of 15:09.70, winning by a substantial 17 seconds. On the team side, Hillsdale Academy clinched the title with 113 points, demonstrating depth and teamwork with a scoring average of 16:40 and a tight 1-5 split of just 1:15. Holland Calvary finished as runners-up, accumulating 153 points and averaging 16:58 across their scoring runners.
On the girls side, Kaylie Livingston from Whitmore Lake captured the individual title with a time of 18:06.50. Following her were Eliza Keith from Auburn Hills Oakland Christian in second at 18:20.10, and Libby Smith from Gobles in third at 18:26.40. In the team competition, Whitmore Lake also emerged victorious with 110 points, demonstrating strength in depth with an average time of 19:51. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian secured second place with 125 points, averaging 19:58 across their scoring runners.