The Whitehall boys’ cross-country team poses with coach Kathy Hector after securing its first-ever state finals berth in Division 2 at last Saturday’s regionals, which were held at Benzie Central. The team competed in Saturday’s state finals after the Bea
BENZONIA — Whitehall is one of the smallest schools in Division 2 cross-country. The odds are stacked against the Vikings in terms of numbers. Indeed, no Whitehall team had ever qualified in Division 2, until Saturday.
Whitehall’s boys team finished third in the regionals at Benzie Central, securing a spot in the state finals at Michigan International Speedway.
The finals were run Saturday, Nov. 3 after the Beacon went to press.
Logan Irey led the Vikings with a 13th-place finish at regionals. His time was 16:25.4. Whitehall can thank its depth for its state-finals berth, as the Vikings managed to place five more runners between 20th and 37th. Alex Dennis was 20th, while Keaton Smith was 26th and Brayden Berson 30th. Reiley Brown placed 36th, followed by Tyler Grove.
Despite the historical nature of state qualification, the Vikings were disappointed with their efforts. The team had hoped to place second at regionals, but Gaylord beat them out for the spot.
Montague boys 11th, girls 12th at regionals
ALLENDALE — The Montague boys’ cross-country team placed 11th at the 14-team regional last Saturday at Allendale, ending its season.
The Wildcats were led by Dylan Graber, who plaed 39th with a time of 18:06. Carson Williams placed 46th, while Zach Gaule was 68th. Brennan Zuniga was 69th and Spencer Morse 71st. Noah Verbanick was 89th.
The girls’ team was 12th at the regionals. Kenadee Shugars was Montague’s best finisher, coming in 27th place. Her time of 21:30 missed a state qualification by about a minute. Morgan Shugars came in 60th place, while Jane Dandron was 67th. Kaitlin Adams ran a personal-best 26:55 and placed 85th. Kyla Pineda was 90th.
Rockets’ girls 8th at regionals
ALLENDALE — Reeths-Puffer’s girls cross-country team placed eighth at its 14-team regional last Saturday at Allendale.
The Rockets missed having a state qualifier by just under a minute, as Micah Peel came in 28th place at the regional with a time of 20:13.6. McKenzie Richardson finished soon after Peel, placing 33rd.
Emly Cross was 47th, Summer Hussey 48th and Shyanna Archer was 60th for Reeths-Puffer. Naomi Parker placed 65th while Jackie Anderson was 75th.
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