The Lady Rams fell short of their state championship aspirations, but continued the legacy as one of the best teams in the state in claiming third place at this year’s Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state finals on Saturday, Nov. 6. The Rams’ third-place finish continues the tradition of finishing no worse than sixth in any of the past 12 years.
“We were shooting for the top spot, so we are a little disappointed in third, but it wasn’t for lack of
effort and determination,” stated Coach Watson.
Gaining All State honors for the Rams was junior Taylor Manett, who easily had the best race of her life in placing 15th and running a lifetime personal record of 18:08.
“Taylor ran phenomenal today,” commented Watson. “She ran more miles this past summer than the vast majority of people in the state, and it showed in her performance today.”
Senior Catie Rietsema ran a time of 18:43, good for 33rd place, just outside of All State honors. Juniors Jane Hawks and Sawyer Rocheleau were the next two finishers for the Rams with times of 18:57 and 19:12; placing 51st and 70th respectively. Seniors Anna Bos and Allison Hazy claimed the fifth and sixth spots for the Rams, each running their best times of the season in 19:31 and 19:32, good for 105th and 106th place. Sophomore Jordan Vickery, competing in her first state championships, ran a time of 19:37, which was good for 124th place.
“I am very proud of the girls’ efforts all season,” stated Watson. “We will dearly miss our seniors next year when we toe the line without them. We have a good group coming back and, hopefully through hard work, determination and persistence, we can improve on this finish one year from now.”
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