BATTLE CREEK – The sprint to the finish has already started as the high school cross country season is already off and running.
Area programs are hitting their stride as events like the Harper Creek Optimist Invitational opened the season for many and, with one of the biggest events for the sport, the Lakeview Invitational coming up on Sept. 6, runners are already getting a chance to lower their times in the early season.
The upcoming All-City Meet on Oct. 7 will mark the unofficial high point of the season. All will then be looking toward regionals coming up on Oct. 24-25, with dreams of making it to Michigan International Speedway for the state finals on Nov. 1.
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Here’s a closer look at the key city/area girls cross country teams:
Harper Creek
Coach: Megan Alday (2nd season)
Top returners: Julia Faber, sr.; Layla Silkworth, jr.; Rylee Zumer, so.
Outlook: In her first year as the girls cross country coach at Harper Creek, Megan Alday led the Beavers to a standout season in 2024 with a third-place finish in the Interstate 8 Conference , sending one runner to the state finals. Harper Creek lost some solid runners to graduation, but has some good athletes coming back. Senior Julia Faber will lead the charge after being all-conference last year and finishing in the top 10 at the annual All-City Meet. Faber was also 8th at regionals and ran at the state finals. Junior Layla Silkworth and sophomore Rylee Zumer will both look to take the next step for the Beavers after being all-city runners a year ago.
“With some dedicated returners and a new group of strong freshmen, the kids are looking forward to a competitive season in the city, the league and beyond,” Alday said.
Lakeview
Coach: Jerry Haadsma (2nd season)
Top returners: Lilamae Frank, sr.; Amelia Kraemer, jr.; Georgia Micklewright, sr.; Oliva Sowton, so.; Ayla Frantz, so.
Outlook: In his second year leading the team, head coach Jerry Haadsma has a strong group that is coming off a city championship. The Spartans will be led by senior Lilamae Frank, who is the reigning All-City Meet champion, a four-year varsity athlete and a returning captain. There is good depth on the Spartans, led by senior Georgia Micklewright, junior Amelia Kraemer and sophomores Olivia Sowton and Ayla Frantz.
“These girls have a lot of potential, and I know they can shake things up within the conference and beyond. We’re committed to the training program we have in place, and we continue to focus on having championship habits” Haadsma said.
Marshall
Coach: Jessica McHugh (1st season)
Top returners: Alaina Dillon, so.; Adriana Domingo, sr.; Alaina Hoffman, sr.; Maura Young, sr.; Georgie Schmidt, sr.
Outlook: After longtime coach Steve Wissink stepped down following nearly three decades with the program, a new era begins at Marshall with first-year head coach Jessica McHugh taking over the team. The girls squad is looking to be competitive in the Interstate 8 Conference and is led by sophomore Aliana Dillon, who is off to a fast start after taking fourth at the 10-team Barney Roy Invitational, hosted by Marshall. The Redhawks have good senior leadership with returners Adriana Domingo, Alaina Hoffman, Maura Young and Georgia Schmidt.
Pennfield
Coach: John Green (3rd season)
Top returners: Peyton Rhoades, sr.; Nevaeh Losey, sr.; Kadence Henry, jr.; Madalynn Inman, jr.; Ellie Bowen, so.; Ava Joy, so.
Outlook: John Green, also an assistant track coach at Pennfield, continues to lead both the boys and girls cross country teams in his third year in the program. There is excitement around the girls team with the entire squad returning after taking fourth in the Interstate 8 Conference in 2024. Peyton Rhoades is ready for a big senior season after earning all-city and all-conference honors last year.
“We are coming into the season with very big expectations. Our whole girls team returns, led by star senior Peyton Rhoades. After a fourth place finish last year in the I-8 we are looking to push into the top three. With three seniors and two juniors leading the way, expect a big season for this small, but mighty team,” Green said.
St. Philip
Coach: Tim Cole (2nd season)
Top returners: Emmy Nofs, jr.; Elsa Strenge, jr.
Outlook: St. Philip continued to try to build up numbers in the program as head coach Tim Cole is in his second year leading the Tigers. For the first time in a few years, St. Philip will be able to field a full girls squad for invitationals with five talented runners. That group will be led by returning juniors Emmy Nofs and Elsa Strenge. Newcomers give the Tigers depth, including Marnie Wright, Lydia Pratt and Ava Pratt.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: 20 athletes to watch, what to know about Battle Creek-area girls cross country teams
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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