State Meet Highlights

The day dawned bright and beautiful with moderate temperatures, a clear, blue sky, a mild breeze and gorgeous sunshine to light the way for the teams competing at Michigan's International Speedway, home to the MHSAA Cross Country State Finals.  The Pioneer Men's Cross Country team earned a tenth place finish today, improving considerably on last year's fifteenth place finish.  Highland Milford earned the State Championship title with 128 points. Hartland came in second with 172 points, and Waterford Mott took third with 177 points.  The Ann Arbor Pioneer team earned 275 points.

The team had many faithful supporters here including coaches, teammates, parents, other family &  friends as well as some former teammates. These young athletes did not disappoint.  They managed a stellar performance and each put forth his best personal on the track and in the trees.

Galen took his turn at the top today, first for the Pioneers to cross the line.  Galen was one position away from making the top 30 overall, which would have placed him on the podium with All-State honors.  Galen did set a new personal record here, reducing his last best time by over 14 seconds!

Eddie Codrington was the silver-medalist for the Pioneers today, just a few guys behind Galen and running strong.  Eddie set a new personal record by over fifteen seconds, finishing in 16:09.

Costa Willets was the third Pioneer over the line, and although he did not set a new record, he ran very close to his best time, so he contributed all he could to the success of his team.

Max Shpilband was fourth man for the Purple Pride, and he ran very well, close to his best time and scoring points toward the standings.

Nick Aukerman was the fifth man for the Varsity squad, and had a fantastic perfomance here, setting a new personal record by over fourteen seconds and breaking that important 17-minute mark.

Lucas Arrivo gained some more new experience running at the best-in-the-State level.  Lucas had a fantasic showing, taking over half a minute off his last best time.  Nice job, Lucas!

Dean Brigham pushed through the pain as best he could, he has some trouble with his knees, so perhaps the off-season rest will help him recover.

Congratulations to all seven of you fine young men!  See you in the Spring for Track...hope you have a fine time with off-season training!!