On Tuesday (5/5), Hart’s track hosted its final meet in its current form after 41 years, marking a transition that began back in 1985. For decades, it has been more than just a surface. It has been the starting line for generations of Pirates, the site of first races, school records, and seasons that athletes carry with them long after graduation.
And in fitting fashion, both Hart teams made sure the moment was unforgettable.
The Pirates swept a home quad meet against North Muskegon, Ravenna, and Holton, with dominant, lopsided victories across the board. The girls defeated Ravenna 98 to 36, North Muskegon 96 to 28, and Holton 102 to 24, while the boys matched the effort with wins over Ravenna 103 to 33, North Muskegon 107 to 27, and Holton 123 to 12.
The track will be resurfaced this summer and expanded from six lanes to eight, ushering in a new chapter while honoring everything that has taken place on it over the past four decades.
A Night to Remember on the Track
For the boys, Chase Lorenz continued rewriting the record books, lowering his own school record in the 100 meter dash with a blazing 10.96 and adding a win in the 200 with a time of 22.21. Silas Ackley dominated the 3200 in 10:13.5, while Luke VanderWilk captured the 110 hurdles with a personal best 18.61 and added a win in the high jump at 5 feet 6 inches. Pablo Ortega Rubio took the 300 hurdles in a personal best 43.08, and Caleb Ackley added a shot put win with a personal best throw of 46 feet 4 inches.
Hart’s depth showed in the relays, sweeping three events:
- 4 by 100 Babbin, Vander Kodde, Tejada, Lorenz in 46.72
- 4 by 200 Babbin, Oomen, Vander Kodde, Lorenz in 1:36.7
- 4 by 400 Slotman, Ortega Rubio, VanderWilk, Oomen in 3:41.1
On the girls side, the dominance was just as impressive.
Addison Hain sprinted to wins in both the 100 in 13.09 and 200 in 27.48, while Ellie Gross swept the hurdles events. Natalie Rosema captured the 1600 with a personal best time of 5:28.1, and Alaina Schaner won the 3200 in 12:56.6. In the field events, Shelbie Choponis controlled both throws with marks of 118 feet in the discus and 31 feet 10 inches in the shot put, while Lauren Hopkins added a win in pole vault at 8 feet.
The Pirates capped the night by winning all four relays:
- 4 by 100 Flores, Rosema, Gross, Hain in 53.01
- 4 by 200 Camacho, Virtanen, Hopkins, Velat in 2:03.8
- 4 by 400 Rosema, Velat, Miller, Saenz in 4:36.2
- 4 by 800 Kokx, Velat, Salazar, Schaner
Earlier in the week, the girls team also posted another dominant showing, with multiple athletes earning three first place finishes, highlighting the consistency and depth of the program.
Around the Area: Meet Highlights
Mason County Central Boys Continue Strong Season
MCC placed fourth at the Big Rapids Invitational while setting multiple personal records, even through snow.
Top performers:
Eli Glamzi, first in high jump at 6 feet 2 inches
Jackson Poll, first in 110 hurdles and second in 300 hurdles
Desmond Thomas, second in discus
Kolby Kessel, second in pole vault
MCC finished the dual season five and one, placing second overall with multiple event winners and strong relay performances.
Ludington Wins Tri Meet Over Fremont, Montague
Ludington took top honors on both sides in a competitive tri meet.
Top winners:
Jayce Hodges of Ludington won the 100 and 200
Raymond Karboske of Ludington won the 400
Tate Smith of Fremont won the 1600
Nolan Kessler of Montague won the 3200
Girls highlights:
Kayley Frens of Fremont won the 100 and 100 hurdles
Leah Allen of Ludington won the 200
Addison Smith of Montague won the 400 and pole vault
Oakridge Boys Roll Past Manistee
Oakridge won 12 of 17 events in an 86 to 47 victory.
Event winners included Patton in the 100, Falbe in the 400, Miller in the 800, Galdeen in the 1600, Mueller in the 3200, McPherson in both hurdles, England in high jump and long jump, and Babinec in pole vault.
Whitehall Sweeps Conference Meet
Whitehall boys and girls both earned decisive wins.
Top performers:
Caden Bowyer swept the throws
Hunter Parsons won the 800 and 3200
Judd Musk won both hurdle events
Giselle Burbridge won long jump and the 800 with personal bests
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