Advertisement

O'Connor, a sophomore, turned in a career-best time of 18:49.4 to finish in 13th place overall in the Division 2 girls race at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday afternoon. The top 30 runners earn All-State recognition.

"Leah definitely responded well for her first season of cross country," praised C-L coach Lisa Shaw. "To be able to do that (13th) and stay healthy all season, that's what's fortunate."

O'Connor's performance was just the beginning of a strong finish for the Lady Pioneers. Cros-Lex had a total of 335 points to place 10th out of 25 schools. Gaylord captured the team championship with 131.

Juniors Erica Lerma and Joz Worden also turned in personal-best times for Cros-Lex. Lerma was 52nd overall among the 247 runners in the division, clocking out at 19:31.3. Worden was 122nd in a time of 20:21.1. Rounding out the top five for Shaw were junior Vanessa Stewart (138th, 20:34) and senior Michaela Maze (179th, 21:10.1. Also competing were Julia McEntee (215th, 21:53.7) and junior Amanda Kalso (217th, 22:05.1).

"One of our goals this year was to be in the top 10, and we did it," noted Shaw, who will look forward to next season with six of her seven runners returning. "Hopefully, this will drive the girls to work harder in the off-season. I know going home they we're all excited and knowing they can do better."

Division 2 boys

Cros-Lex was represented by junior Josh Matthews in the boys Div. 2 run. Matthews, in his first State appearance, placed 196th in 18:11.1. St. Clair's Addis Habtewold won the individual State title with a quick time of 15:10.6.

Division 3 girls

Chelsea Mata of Marlette was the lone Sanilac County runner to reach State in Div. 3. The Red Raider senior turned in one of her best times of the season, going 20:22.8, good for 86th place out of 252 runners.

Division 4 boys

Russ Reitz, Brown City coach, was happy with his team's performance despite finishing 25th in the team standings.

"The boys team had a great season and, with a couple of additions, we will even be a stronger team next year," said Reitz.

The Green Devils were led Saturday by freshman Matt Proctor with a personal-best time of 17:44.5 (99th). Also contributing to the team score were: Jesse Williams (132nd, 18:03.4, season-best time); Andrew Tidrick (155th, 18:17.4); Matt DeSchutter (193rd,18:58.4), and Jack McPhail (221st, 19:55).

Division 4 girls

Brown City's Katherine Kreiner and Katie Takacs not only qualified for State and ran their best times of the season, but they also came home with Academic All-State honors. Kreiner placed 79th in a time of 21:10.6 and Takacs finished 111th in 21:37.7 among the field of 254 runners. Both are sophomores.