The 2024 WMC Mega Meet, hosted at Fremont, delivered exciting individual and team performances across both the boys’ and girls’ races. With over a dozen teams competing, the meet showcased standout athletes and competitive team results. Fremont’s boys and Ludington’s girls emerged victorious in their respective team competitions, while individual athletes also shone brightly on the challenging course.
Boys Race: Fremont Wins Team Title, Whitehall and Montague Follow
In the boys’ 5,000-meter race, Fremont took the team title with a total of 50 points, thanks to a deep squad that placed multiple runners in the top 20. Senior Carter Sherman (5th place, 17:54.59), Cole Lowery (8th, 18:10.67), and Blake Taylor (9th, 18:15.70) led the charge for the home team, solidifying Fremont’s dominance on their home course.
Whitehall followed in second place with 70 points, buoyed by standout performances from Stewart Waters, who won the race in 17:18.28, and Hunter Parsons (2nd, 17:41.00). The team’s depth was further demonstrated by Andrew Boeringa’s 10th-place finish (18:21.06).
Montague claimed third place with 82 points, with strong contributions from Noah Raeth (4th, 17:50.08) and Freshman Nolan Kessler (12th, 18:32.92). Hart placed fourth with 88 points, led by freshman Silas Ackley (11th, 18:27.47).
Final Boys Team Standings
- Fremont – 50 points
- Whitehall – 70 points
- Montague – 82 points
- Hart – 88 points
- Ludington – 115 points
- Muskegon Oakridge – 159 points
- Manistee – 204 points
- Hesperia – 229 points
- Ravenna – 240 points
- Shelby – 242 points
- Mason County Central – 285 points
- Holton – 325 points
Girls Race: Ludington Secures Victory, Hart and Whitehall Close Behind
In the girls’ race, Ludington dominated with a low score of 43 points, thanks to stellar performances from Annabelle Lowman (1st, 20:21.27) and Nadia Grierson (2nd, 20:22.82). The duo gave Ludington a 1-2 finish, with support from teammates Autumn Brower (8th, 22:13.69) and Summer Brower (12th, 22:52.60), securing the team win.
Hart placed second with 62 points, highlighted by Natalie Rosema (5th, 21:30.55) and a solid pack of top-20 finishers, including Lexie Beth Nienhuis (9th, 22:21.34) and Joselyn Flores (13th, 22:56.98).
Whitehall took third with 82 points, led by Camille Kraai (3rd, 20:56.31) and Adalyn Britton (6th, 21:31.17), while Fremont claimed fourth with 94 points, paced by Linnea Paige (4th, 21:17.90).
Final Girls Team Standings
- Ludington – 43 points
- Hart – 62 points
- Whitehall – 82 points
- Fremont – 94 points
- Manistee – 134 points
- Shelby – 147 points
- Mason County Central – 158 points
- North Muskegon – 213 points
- Ravenna – 256 points
- Holton – 272 points
Key Performances
In the boys’ race, Stewart Waters of Whitehall took the individual win with a time of 17:18.28, followed closely by his teammate Hunter Parsons and Oakridge’s Bryce Falbe (3rd, 17:43.03). Fremont’s top performers, led by Carter Sherman and Cole Lowery, played a pivotal role in their team’s victory.
On the girls’ side, Ludington’s Annabelle Lowman and Nadia Grierson led the pack, with Camille Kraai of Whitehall rounding out the top three. Hart’s Natalie Rosema and Lydia Soelberg of Shelby (7th, 21:51.29) also put up strong performances.
Looking Ahead
With the cross-country season heating up, the results from the WMC Mega Meet indicate a competitive field moving forward. Fremont and Ludington’s dominance in the team standings sets the stage for more intense races as the season progresses, while individual athletes from Whitehall, Hart, and Montague will continue to challenge for top honors.
Both the boys’ and girls’ competitions are shaping up to be thrilling as these young athletes push their limits and strive for success in the upcoming regional meets.
Athletic.net results: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/236904/results/all
Sports coverage: https://catchmarksports.com/
