Brandon’s girls cross country team continues to blaze new territory.
The Blackhawks punched their ticket to the state meet by winning the Division 2 regional meet Oct. 30 at Marysville. Brandon finished with 55 points, well ahead of second place Flint Powers (121) and third place Flint Kearsley (124).
All three teams qualified for the Nov. 6 state meet at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
Kayla Doan was Brandon’s leading runner at regionals, finishing fourth overall (20:26). Kelsey Carmean also placed among the top 10, finishing sixth overall (20:48).
The Blackhawks then had three runners finish 14th through 16th: Sarah Eldon (20:59), Jamie Hendershott (20:59), and Danielle Ashford (21:02).
Kelly Wilson (18th, 21:13) and Jackie Back (31st, 21:53) rounded out the Brandon efforts.
Brandon is one of 28 teams that are scheduled to compete in the state meet. Coach Rod Yeacker said East Grand Rapids is favored to win the Division 2 state title, but also said he looks for big things from the Blackhawks.
‘We should finish in the top ten, certainly,? he said. ‘We hope to finish in the top five.?