The Hart High School cross country program continued its run of excellence by winning both the girls’ and boys’ titles at the 2025 West Michigan Conference championship meet in Ravenna. The victory marked the 10th straight conference title for the girls and the 9th straight for the boys, extending one of the most dominant streaks in Michigan cross country.
The Hart girls controlled the race from start to finish, placing six runners in the top 10 to earn another conference title.
Top Finishers – Girls (Hart):
| Runner | Time |
|---|---|
| Natalie Rosema | 20:33.90 |
| Alaina Schaner | 21:47.64 |
| Luisa VanderZwaag | 21:48.09 |
| Bryn Riley | 21:48.65 |
| Emma Miller | 22:29.88 |
| Kenai Kokx | 23:17.53 |
Hart’s front group packed tightly together, with Rosema leading the Pirates across the line. Schaner, VanderZwaag, and Riley worked close behind, finishing within one second of each other. Freshman Emma Miller added key depth, while senior Kenai Kokx closed out Hart’s scoring with another strong finish.
Additional Hart runners also supported the team effort, including Abigail Studer (23:35.75), ElliAna Guikema (24:11.61), Viviana VanAgtmael (24:12.32), and Joselyn Flores (24:38.77).
Hart’s boys also put together an exceptional performance, finishing with eight runners in the top ten and controlling the team scoring early.
Top Finishers – Boys (Hart):
| Runner | Time |
|---|---|
| Silas Ackley | 18:21.71 |
| Aiden Schaner | 18:26.31 |
| Trevor VanderKodde | 18:37.31 |
| Carson Ackley | 18:39.93 |
| Timothy Wolff | 18:40.62 |
| Mason Opalewski | 18:50.24 |
| Julian Lopez | 18:50.48 |
| Owen VanderVlucht | 18:50.86 |
Ackley and Schaner led the way for Hart, setting the pace early. VanderKodde, Carson Ackley, and Wolff packed closely to secure the team score. Opalewski, Lopez, and VanderVlucht all finished within a second of each other, displaying Hart’s depth and competitive consistency.
Championship Tradition Continues
The 2025 conference sweep reinforces Hart’s position as one of Michigan’s most successful high school cross country programs. Consistent training, team chemistry, and depth at every grade level have allowed the Pirates to extend their championship legacy year after year.
With the conference season complete, Hart now shifts its focus to the MHSAA postseason, where both teams will compete next at regionals. The Pirates enter the state tournament as strong contenders once again.
Hart Girls Golf Compete in Their First Meet in School History
