On November 7th, nine student athletes competed in the Cross Country State Championship at Michigan International Speedway. This was achievable through the Girls Team sharing the conference championship title, and the Boys Team being the “runners up”. Both teams then advanced to Pre-Regionals on October 24th, with both teams achieving 2nd place, and moving on to Regionals.

According to MLIVE.com, Bobby Romberger, Nathan Kippnick, Devin McKenzie, Preston McKenzie, and Seth Beerens made the “Top 50 Jackson-area boys cross country times heading into regionals”. Also according to MLIVE.com, Allie Koch, McKenna Marsh, Jessie Phillips, and Meghan Somerville made the “Top 50 Jackson-area girls cross country times heading into regionals." On Halloween, both Boys and Girls Teams raced in the regional contest, and all of the members of the Girls’ Team - McKenna Marsh, Meghan Somerville, Emma Taylor, Sarah DezWaan, Allie Koch, Jessie Phillips, and Lydia Bennett - qualified for the State Championship! Only two members of the Boys’ Team - Nathan Kippnick and Bobby Romberger - advanced to the state championship.

McKenna, Meghan, Emma, Sarah, Allie, Jessie, and Lydia competed in the state championship. Here are their results:

• Allie Koch 66th 21:02.04

• McKenna Marsh 124th 21:49.70

• Jessie Phillips 177th 22:46.67

• Meghan Somerville 182nd 22:53.79

• Lydia Bennett 206th 23:40.39

• Sarah DezWaan 244th 28:03.01

• Emma Taylor 245th 28:35.98

Nathan Kippnick and Bobby Romberger also competed - here are their results:

• Nathan Kippnick 60th 17:16.00

• Bobby Romberger 95th 17:39.29

A post on the Manchester Cross Country Facebook page from Coach Angie Flint stated that “...we wouldn’t have been able to compete this season with out you all.”