Even after being physically unable to run, Clarkston senior Jenna Leach was still able to help keep her team competitive in the championship.
On Nov. 14, Leach was able to see all of her years of hard work realized while signing a letter of intent to run cross country for Oakland University, a division I school in the Mid Continent Conference.
Leach, 17, went down midway through the cross country season with a stress fracture in a metatarsal. Although her foot did not cooperate, she was still able to give the team a helping hand as it attempted to win a fourth consecutive state championship.
‘Physically it hurt us not having her out there racing for us, (but) she’s big asset even being around,? girls cross country coach Jamie LaBrosse said.
‘Having her at the line at the state meet made a big difference to these girls. She made them feel a lot calmer, her presence around them (because) they look up to her so much. Some kids when they’re not physically running anymore, that’s it, there’s not much more they can do for you (but) Jenna was like having another assistant coach out there.?
LaBrosse, Leach’s coach since she made the transition from middle school to Clarkston’s varsity has seen her grow each season, but this year she had to help the team more mentally.
‘This year especially, she’s had to take on a leadership role, in years past we had upperclassmen and she was the baby of the group,? he said.
‘This year she really had to step up because our team was so young and really take on some leadership qualities and help these kids along the way and teach them the ropes.?
Leach was deciding between the University of Dayton and Ferris State University, in addition to OU. In the end, in a decision her parents left to her, Leach chose coach Paul Rice and the Grizzlies.
‘I realized I really wanted to be closer to home when it came down to it. I really like the curriculum and the coach and the team. I really meshed well with them,? Leach said.
She is currently looking into going into the allied health field either in nursing or physical therapy, or even teaching.
In her time with Clarkston, Leach has been a part of three state, league, and county, and four regional championship teams.
‘We’re very excited for her. She’s done so well in academics and running too,? Lynne Leach, Jenna’s mother said.
‘She’s worked very hard with this team under an awesome coach. He’s been supportive of her since she has been running varsity. He’s been there and we’ve been right behind her.?
LaBrosse got behind Leach nearly four years ago, encouraging her to try out for the Wolves? cross country team.
Leach should do well because of the Wolves? success and her familiarity with many of the OU runners, because they are from the area, LaBrosse said.
‘It’s a lot of kids from the area and a lot of OAA kids that Jenna has raced. I think they know that because Clarkston has been a successful team in the area. So here’s Jenna coming on to a team full of kids she’s raced against and she’s got experience in winning.?
He said her success and experience will help her make the adjustment to running for a division I program.
‘She’s going to fit into their varsity right off the bat,? LaBrosse said.
In addition to cross country, Leach will also be running track for the Wolves in the spring season.