Cold and rainy conditions plagued the area on Oct. 27, but cross country goes on. Clintonwood Park in Independence Township was the spot for the state regional meet, where the Clarkston Wolves boys team placed two runners in the top 10, and earned state finals honors. The defending state champions girls team also finished all seven of its runners in the top 20.
The girls outran the nine other teams of region six, with Kristen Smith finishing in third place at 18:46.1. Olivia Allen (19:10.7), Tiffany Kincaid (19:16.8) and Katie Vondette (19:17.3) finished in places 7-9 for Clarkston. Bailee Braunreuther (19:38.4) finished 14th and Breanne Timm (19:57.4), and Angela Haight (20:16.6) were no.’s 16-17.
The Wolves were the top team with 41 points, nudging both Troy (44) and Troy Athens (60). The competition was far behind those top-three programs, as fourth place Farmington Hills Mercy had 153 points and fifth place Birmingham Groves had 161 points.
Clarkston qualifies for the state finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on Nov. 4 with its victory. The reigning state champions will make their sixth consecutive trip to the state finals.
‘They just did fabulous as a team. Up until this time’they haven’t utilized each other. We talked about running as a team and we ran well as a team together and helped each other out,? Coach Jamie Labrosse said.
‘It was just a great run.?
For the boys team, Jeff Kuhl (seventh place, 16:29.3) and Nick LaMora (10th place, 16:35.0) qualified for the state finals. This will be LaMora’s third trip and the team went collectively the past two seasons.
‘I’m proud of them today. They both lived up to their potential and they’re going to the state (finals),? Coach Mike Taylor said.
‘With their backs to the wall, those two guys did what they had to do to get to state.?
‘I came off of an injury. I thought I had a good race and I’m really looking forward to states,? LaMora said.
‘Last year I took 42nd, I want to step it up and go all state this year.?
‘The whole season everyone has been telling me I’m holding back,? Kuhl said.
‘Today, I really feel like I went all-out.?
As a team, the Wolves placed sixth overall with a score of 151. Warren DeLaSalle was victorious with 70 points, Troy Athens second place with 80, Detroit U of D Jesuit had 82, Troy 105, and Birmingham Brother Rice had 134 points, rounding out the top five.
Taylor said six of seven runners on the team set personal best finishes at the meet also.
‘This was by far our best meet of the year, so it’s a nice way to finish the year.?