Bath/Rambling Rock

A Tale of Two Cities

I'm going to start this version of Race Notes off with a little literature. It's a fairly brave undertaking knowing that Coaches Spina and Ornelas, two of the best high school English teachers around, are likely going to read this. I hope I get a decent grade from them 😀.

As the book starts, "It was the best of times.........." I really don't need to go any further. That first phrase truly captures the day. Our team was split today between two cities. Some of the athletes ran the Bret Clements Bath Invitational in Bath, MI. Other athletes traveled to Willow Metropark in New Boston, MI, a course we will see a few times this year. In both locations, it truly was "the best of times". For our Nike group, we assigned a race plan that was well executed at both locations. Our Hoka and Brooks groups were getting race experience that went well, with Madi Rogan bringing home the individual championship in the open race at Willow. Way to go, Madi!

Bret Clements Bath Invitational

A group of 9 ladies traveled north to the Bret Clements Bath Invitational. While there, we faced a formidable opponent in the Northville team. We had a race plan for this group that they executed perfectly. At the end of the day, we finished as runners up by three points to Northville.

As she has this season, Laney Alig led the way at Bath. It was great to see Lilly Schlack and Corynn Gady closing that gap and racing really well together. We've talked a lot about the value of pack running and these 2 executed perfectly. It was great to see Lilly where we know she is perfectly capable of racing.

Close behind Lilly and Corynn, was Sophie Roth. The freshman had an incredible day running a PR of 20:11. Sub 20 is firmly in her sights right now and we are confident that she will see that mark in the next few weeks.

The next two to cross the line were Abby Roth (20:38) and Grace Roth (20:48). These two have been working hard all summer. That hard work is paying off as they enjoyed the cooler weather this morning and each ran her race plan perfectly.

At the end of the day at Bath, we walked away with the runner up trophy. More importantly, we were able to get some key work done as we head into Jambo 1 on Wednesday. However, of most importance to the team, was the opportunity to visit with Bret Clements' mother and express our appreciation to her. Bret was a Bath High School cross country and track athlete who was fatally wounded in a military training exercise. The team always takes a moment to stop and visit with his family while we are in town.

New Boston, MI - Rambling Rock Invitational

The other athletes on the team journeyed to Willow Metropark in New Boston, MI. While there, they had some fantastic performances on the day.

In the varsity race, Bailey Burt turned in a race we all knew she had in her. She ran 22:00 and was the first Saline athlete to cross the line.

We had several athletes competing for the first time in a varsity event. Riley Provost (23:04), Ayla Stager (23:27), Katie Reading (23:45), Mara McClellan (23:47) and Jill Hayes (23:48) had a fantastic day on the course and all gained some valuable varsity experience along the way.

In the open race, Madi Rogan took home overall honors with a 21:59. Most importantly, she won a race - that's a big deal!! Way to go, Madi!

Also in the open race, we saw several PR's. Leading the PR charge with a time of 23:53 was freshman Mia Washington. We will be hearing much more from this hard worker as the season goes on.

Hannah Gritzmaker (24:14), Kennedy Lange (24:24), Emma Allis (27:31) and Shelby Fordeck (33:17) rounded out the PR's for the team. PR's are a big deal and we love to celebrate them!

Speaking of Shelby, while I was not at the race today, news of feats of strength on the hill at Willow Metropark always travel quickly. According to the tale (see how I wove the title of this episode back in here 😀) I have been told, Shelby used her hill training to her advantage to pass competitors. Way to go, Shelby!

Lastly, I need to call out Coach Harrison and Coach Lagerquist for the incredible work they do for our team. If it were not for them, there is no way this team would operate as efficiently as it does with the ability to provide individual attention to 51 athletes. Thank you!!

That rounds out a very busy and successful Saturday for the Saline Cross Country team. Next week, we are in action on Wednesday at Jambo 1 in Bedford and then return to Willow Metropark on Saturday for the New Boston Huron Invitational.

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