Runners from across the lakeshore represented their schools with pride at the MHSAA Regional Cross Country meets this past weekend, with several local programs advancing to the State Finals and others capping strong seasons with standout performances.
Hart’s cross country dynasty continued its winning ways as both the boys and girls teams captured Regional Championships at the Division 3 meet.
The Hart girls were led by a powerful top five that finished within the top 20. Natalie Rosema (5th, 19:23.9 PR), Emma Miller (6th, 19:34.1), and Alaina Schaner (9th, 19:43.8) led the charge, followed closely by Bryn Riley (19th, 20:29.3) and Luisa Vander Zwaag (20th, 20:32.4). The Pirates’ impressive depth once again showed why they remain one of the state’s elite programs.
On the boys’ side, Hart also claimed the team title with 63 points, outpacing Lake City and Benzie Central. Top runners included Silas Ackley (9th, 16:46.1), Grant Ackley (12th, 16:51.8), Timothy Wolff (14th, 16:52.2), Trevor VanderKodde (16th, 16:58.2), and Aiden Schaner (19th, 17:04.3). Both Pirate squads advance to the MHSAA State Finals next weekend.
The 2025 Regionals at Benzie were an unforgettable day for Whitehall Cross Country. On the boys’ side, Whitehall came heartbreakingly close to qualifying as a team—missing by just two points—but turned in one of its best collective performances in program history.
All seven varsity runners gave everything in the final 400 meters, with the top six setting personal records:
- Bobby Jazwinski III: Regional Champion, continuing his win streak and setting another school record (14:56.6) — the fastest 5K in program history.
- Rex Pumford: 5th (16:03 PR), now the fastest sophomore in Whitehall history and 5th-fastest overall.
- Hunter Parsons: 12th (16:14 PR), the 11th-fastest time ever recorded at WHS.
- Justin Jensen: 42nd (17:17.1 PR), ranked 41st all-time.
- Ian Dennis: 53rd (17:36.2 PR), currently the 9th-fastest freshman in school history.
- Matthew Badley: 63rd (17:50 PR), ranked 68th all-time.
- Scout Freiheit: 69th (18:02.7), with a season-best of 17:43.7, placing him as the 10th-fastest freshman in WHS history.
Though the team fell just short of qualifying, their unity and relentless push in the final stretch showed the heart of champions.
The Montague boys are headed to the MHSAA State Finals after finishing third at the Allendale Regional with 107 points.
The Wildcats were led by Nolan Kessler (5th, 16:38.49) and Gibson Smith (7th, 16:52 PR), both finishing in the top 15 and qualifying individually. They were supported by Brock Hunter (29th), Wesley Mair (31st), and Matthew Leatherman (35th), with Jonathan Mueller and Carson Jasick rounding out a determined lineup.
It was a hard-fought morning of racing that showcased the Wildcats’ depth and resilience, a culmination of months of dedication and teamwork.
The Fremont Packers Girls Cross Country Team earned their spot at the State Finals after placing 3rd at the MHSAA Regional. Leading the team were Linnea Paige (8th) and Myah Breuker (15th), both earning All-Region honors. The Packers’ balanced performance secured another State Finals appearance and drew celebration across the Fremont community — “Packer Proud!”
At the Allendale Regional, Western Michigan Christian saw both teams turn in competitive performances. The boys’ squad placed 6th overall, led by Owen Sytsema (11th, 17:06), Josiah Scholma (20th), and Eli Morse (37th). The girls’ team finished 10th, with standout efforts from Kyla Zuidema (22nd, 21:23 PR), Leah Sneller (31st), and Rochelle Liu (32nd).
Reeths-Puffer
Senior Jersi Bilek earned an individual qualification for the State Finals with a stellar 19th-place finish (19:20) in the Division 1 regional at Allendale. Teammates Darcy Keefe (50th) and Kaitlyn Durow (53rd) followed with strong efforts. On the boys’ side, Dylan Sturr (55th, 18:08 PR) led the Rockets.
Muskegon Catholic Central
Lukas Rennells qualified for the State Finals after taking 10th (17:33 PR) in the Division 4 regional. Teammates Jackson Anderson (22nd PR) and Aaron Gaiser (71st) rounded out the Crusader effort. For the girls, Bree Gaiser (26:01 PR) and Hannah Gaiser (26:48) paced the team.
Ravenna
The Ravenna boys finished 14th, led by Levi Kass (18:11), while the girls placed 15th, highlighted by Ximena Yanez (25:29 PR) and Aurora Pelham (26:48).
North Muskegon
The Norse girls were led by Analeigh Weaver (22:39), followed by Avery Walker (27:20 PR) and Emily Price (31:21). On the boys’ side, Ameere Layton (19:40 PR) led the way as North Muskegon finished 15th overall.
Other Lakeshore Highlights
- Oakridge’s Bryce Falbe (14th, 16:14.9 SR) and Lawson Miller (27th, 16:52.3 PR) both recorded lifetime bests.
- Ludington’s Gabe Grierson (4th, 15:59.5 PR) and Easton Warners (47th, 17:25.9 PR) powered the Orioles to an 11th-place finish (251 points).
- Spring Lake boys claimed 1st place (86 points) behind Owen Adams (3rd, 15:51.9 PR), Lukus Mendoza (10th, 16:11.1 PR), and Dane Trask (16th, 16:22.1 PR).
- Fruitport’s Christian Pavlige (9th, 16:10.5 PR) and Peyhton Beardsley (8th, 18:56.8 PR) both qualified for state.
- Mason County Central’s girls were led by Nevaeh Battice (23rd, 20:55 PR) and Maylan Sanders (27th, 21:09).
- Shelby’s Parker Weirich (15th, 16:52.8 PR) and Lydia Soelberg (38th, 21:49.8 SR) topped the Tigers.
- Muskegon’s Anthony Lambers (18:08) and Tyree Henderson (18:55) each recorded season bests, while Orchard View’s Landon Andrews (70th, 18:03.6 SR) represented his team with heart.
Next Stop: Michigan International Speedway
With Hart, Montague, and Fremont advancing full teams, and several individual qualifiers from across the lakeshore, the region will once again be well-represented at the MHSAA State Finals next weekend.
From powerhouse programs to breakthrough performances, every athlete earned their place through perseverance, teamwork, and heart—making 2025 another unforgettable season for West Michigan cross country.
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