As the spring season arrives, track and field across West Michigan is set to showcase a compelling mix of returning stars, rising young talent, and programs entering new chapters. From championship expectations to rebuilding efforts, this year’s storylines are defined by depth, development, and the pursuit of improvement. Several teams return loaded with experience, while others are focused on laying the groundwork for long-term success. Here’s a quick look at what to expect across the area.
Whitehall: Loaded and Motivated
Whitehall boys returns one of the area’s most complete teams after winning conference and city titles and finishing runner-up at regionals. Standouts like Ayden Mendoza (6’10” high jump), Caden Bowyer, and Cole Essebaggers lead a deep roster, bolstered by the addition of state champion runner Bobby Jazwinski. With strength across all events, the Vikings are chasing a breakthrough at regionals.
Whitehall’s girls squad brings balance across the board, with talent in field events, sprints, and distance. Athletes like Lexi Poulin (high jump), Aaliyah Jamison (throws), and Morgan Wade (sprints) highlight a team capable of scoring in multiple areas. Depth in distance could be a key advantage.
Montague: New Leadership, Strong Start
Montague begins a new era under co-head coaches Phil Koops and Dan French, emphasizing a “quality over quantity” approach and athlete development.
The boys team brings strong early numbers (nearly 50 athletes), led by state-qualifier Isaac French (throws) and Devlin Dean (long jump), with depth expected to be a strength.
The girls squad is still developing with around 20 athletes and some injury concerns, but the focus is on growth and building the program’s foundation.
Mason County Central: Growth on the Boys Side, Momentum for the Girls
Mason County Central’s boys team is looking to build on last season’s progress after finishing fourth in the conference and ninth at regionals. Eli Smith, Jackson Poll, and Jayden Reams lead a group with strengths in the sprints and field events, while a younger supporting cast adds depth as the Spartans aim to turn experience into results.
MCC’s girls team enters 2026 with strong momentum after emerging as one of the top contenders in the WMC Rivers Division last season. The Spartans return a talented core led by hurdler Maylan Sanders, field-event standout Faith Hawke, and distance leader Nevaeh Battice. With contributors like Sophia Quick, Madelyn Sterley, and returning pole vaulter Lexie Sanford adding depth, Mason County Central looks balanced and capable of scoring across multiple events.
North Muskegon: Reloaded After Championship Run
Coming off a regional title and share of the conference championship, North Muskegon enters the season with both confidence and depth. Key returners like Bear Nance, Cullen Bartos, and Sylvia Skujins headline a balanced roster, while a strong incoming group adds even more depth. With a focus on staying healthy, the Norsemen look poised to remain among the area’s elite.
Oakridge: Building Momentum
Oakridge is coming off a third-place conference finish and continues to build with increasing numbers and depth. Returners like Bryce Falbe, Lawson Miller, and Jayden Dailey lead a group strongest in sprints and relays. The program’s upward trajectory makes them one to watch.
Oakridge’s girls team leans on its strength in sprints and relays, led by Cambria Guenthardt, Athena Wei, and Seren Meinders. After finishing 7th in the conference, increased participation should help the team compete more consistently across events.
Fremont: Youth Movement with Upside
Fremont, coming off a runner-up conference finish, now turns to a younger roster with solid depth. Returners like Isaac Romero and Chase Lowery lead the way, while newcomers add versatility across events. The Packers are focused on growth, development, and discovering new strengths.
Whether it’s championship contenders, emerging programs, or fresh starts, this season sets up to be one of steady progress and exciting competition across the region.
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