It was an exciting and competitive week across the area, highlighted by record-breaking performances, tight team battles, and standout individual efforts.
Darke Breaks Another Record
Reeths-Puffer’s Mason Darke continues to make history.
On Friday, Darke broke the school record in the 110-meter hurdles with a blazing time of 14.32, now the second-fastest time in the state of Michigan this season. Already the record holder in the 300 hurdles, Darke is firmly establishing himself as one of the top hurdlers in the state.
Mason County Central Battles to Runner-Up Finish
At the Fremont Packer Relays (April 17), Mason County Central turned in a strong team performance, finishing just five points shy of first place:
- Fremont – 140
- Mason County Central – 135
- Sparta – 110
- Shelby – 59
With many athletes competing in as many as four events, the team showed grit and determination throughout the meet.
Jackson Poll led the charge with an outstanding triple victory, winning the 100 hurdles (16.27), 100m dash (11.65), and 300 hurdles (43.73).
Other key performances included:
- Desmond Thomas (Discus – 127’6”)
- Kolby Kessel (Pole Vault – 12’0”)
- Eli Smith (Long Jump – 20’0 ¾”)
Oakridge Edges Out Victory in Relay Thriller
The Oakridge boys team delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the week at the Lakeview Invitational.
With the meet hanging in the balance, the 4×400 relay team of Fischer DeLora, Lawson Miller, Trent Gladden, and Bryce Falbe rose to the moment—winning in 3:36.34 to secure a dramatic four-point victory over Manton. The win marks Oakridge’s first invitational title in at least five years.
Final Team Scores:
- Oakridge – 104
- Manton – 100
Oakridge dominated across multiple events:
- Jayden Dailey: 1st in 100m (11.60), 1st in 200m (23.06)
- Bryce Falbe: 1st in 800m (2:05.64), 1st in 1600m (4:35.94)
Relay teams also shined, with victories in the 4×100, 4×400, and 4×800.
Western Michigan Christian Shows Early Promise
Western Michigan Christian hosted an Alliance League meet midweek and came away with encouraging results from both squads.
Boys Team: Strong Relays Lead Runner-Up Finish
The boys placed second with 82 points behind Potter’s House (146), powered by dominant relay performances.
First-place finishes included:
- 4×200 Relay (Peggar, Hwang, Leffring, Annema)
- 4×400 Relay (Scholma, Annema, Hwang, Anderson)
- 4×800 Relay (Morse, Sytsema, Scholma, Scholma)
- Josiah Scholma (400m – 56.14)
- Anderson Leffring (Pole Vault – 11’0”)
Girls Team: Young Squad Builds Momentum
The girls team finished third with 68 points, showing strong growth and depth.
Top performances included:
- Rochelle Liu: 1st in 1600m (6:36.39) and 800m (3:03.11)
- Addelyn Kingshott: 1st in Discus (67’11”)
- Bri Warners: 1st in Pole Vault (7’0”)
Several athletes recorded personal and season bests, highlighting a promising start to the season.
A Strong Start to the Season
From record-breaking performances to clutch relay finishes and emerging young talent, this past week showcased the excitement and depth of area track and field. As the season continues, these early performances set the stage for even bigger moments ahead.
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