Tales of the Tape: Track & Field Finals
June 3, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Broadcasts of all seven MHSAA Track and Field Finals from Saturday are now available free of charge on MHSAA.TV.
Also, check out below the highlight reel including some of the most notable performances, including the following:
- Lindsay Rudden of Marquette becoming the first girl to break the 5-minute mark in the 1,600-meter run at the Upper Peninsula Finals.
- Great duals in the 200-meter dash between Sekayi Bracey of East Kentwood and Anna Jefferson of Oak Park in LP Division 1, and Joshuwa Holloman of Auburn Hills Avondale and Danny Bauder of Zeeland West and Josie Yesmunt of DeWitt and Taylor Manson of Lansing Waverly, both in LP Division 2.
- Final lap kicks by Grant Fisher of Grand Blanc to win the 3,200-meter run and Karrigan Smith of St. Johns score a record-setting win in the 1,600.
- Record-setting performances by Nolen Bright-Mitchell of Concord, Michelle Davis of Reading and Angie Ritter of Frankenmuth in the sprints and hurdles.
- A photo finish win for Munising’s Andy Cooper in the 110-meter hurdles, one of his four victories on the day in UP Division 3.
PHOTO: Sanford Meridian relay runners complete a handoff during Saturday's Lower Peninsula Division 3 Finals at Comstock Park. (Click to see more from RunMichigan.com.)
Newberry Clinches 1st Track & Field Finals Repeat in 2 Decades
By
John Vrancic
Special for MHSAA.com
June 1, 2025
KINGSFORD — Nearly two decades ago, the Newberry boys became Upper Peninsula Division 2 track & field champs in back-to-back years.
They accomplished the same here Saturday, retaining their Division 3 title with 84 points, Runner-up Lake Linden-Hubbell scored 73, with Bessemer a surprising third at 46.
“We kind of did what we had all season,” Newberry coach Drew Schultz said. “We were kind of top heavy. We were lacking depth a little, but I knew if the guys did what they did all season, I liked our chances. This is the first time we won back-to-back years since I was in high school (2005-06). This is fun, bringing four championship trophies back to the eastern U.P. Pickford’s kids did a nice job (sweeping titles) in D-2.”
Newberry started this day on a positive note, winning the 3,200-meter relay in a season-best 8:42.67.
Senior Connor Carlson, who anchored that relay, also placed fourth in the 200 (24.31) and 400 (54.07).
“It feels good to win,” he said moments after finishing the relay. “I love winning. Garrett (Lewicki) ran a great first leg. Everyone was rolling. This sets the tone pretty good.”
Lewicki also anchored the 1,600 relay which placed second (3:42.47), and took third in the open 800 (2:09.83).
Newberry senior Matt Rahilly won long jump at 20-4½ and high jump (6-0), placed second in the 100 (11.51) and third in the 200 (24.24). Classmate Ethan Pavey added a first in shot put (43-6½).
Senior Dakota Taylor, who will run cross country at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey this fall, provided Engadine with a solid showing. He took second in the 3,200 in a personal-best 10:20.96 and third in the 1,600 (4:51.61), and helped the Eagles place fourth in the 3,200 relay (9:08.59).
Brimley swept the sprint relays, taking the 400 (46.78) and 800 (1:36.75), and senior Adrian Kunowski took pole vault (11-1).
“I’d say our handoffs went well,” Brimley sophomore Gus Vonseggem said. “We didn’t qualify last year. Cooper (Jones) and Trey (Lynn) joining the team made a difference. We really wanted to break the school record. We still need to make our handoffs a little better. It takes a lot of offseason work. Overall, we’re happy with the team’s performance.”
Chassell senior and Michigan Tech recruit Kalvin Kytta was a triple-winner, taking the 800 at 2:03.71, 1,600 in a personal-best 4:28.58 and 3,200 (10:11.42).
“I’m very happy with my season,” he said. “I was going for the record in the 3,200, but just couldn’t quite get that today. The PR (personal record) in the mile was kind of a reflection win.
“Glory to God for sure. He gives me the strength to do all this. I’m getting to know the guys a little at Tech. I’m thankful to God for providing me with this opportunity.”
Lake Linden-Hubbell sophomore Lukas Axford captured the 300 hurdles (42.46) and anchored the winning 1,600 relay (3:41.89). Watersmeet senior Thomas Caron was a double winner, taking the 200 (23.91) and 400 (52.36) and adding a fourth in the 100 (11.75).
Bessemer senior Bryce Martin won the 100 (11.44), and sophomore Jayden Verrett was runner-up in the 200 (23.92), third in the 100 (11.52) and anchored two second-place sprint relays.
PHOTOS (Top) Newberry's Garrett Lewicki hands off the baton to Danny Mikus during the 1,600 relay Saturday. (Middle) Lake Linden-Hubbell's Lukas Axford celebrates his team's win in that race. (Click for more from Cara Kamps/RunMichigan.com.)