They may be young, but Brandon’s girls cross country team earned an opportunity to compete with the best in the state.
The Blackhawks claimed a spot in the Nov. 1 state finals at Michigan International Speedway by finishing third at the Division 2 regional meet at Goodells County Park, west of Port Huron.
Brandon, who does not have any seniors among its top seven runners, finished with 111 points, trailing Flint Powers (49) and Flint Kearsley (80). The top three teams in regional competition advance to the state meet.
‘This was one of the most exciting sporting events I’ve ever seen,? said former Brandon standout and volunteer assistant coach Ashley Solley. ‘Going into the meet, we knew Powers and Kearsley were going to take the first two spots and that the final berth to the state championship would go to Brandon, Linden or Fenton. It looks like Fenton has been facing injuries lately, so they were less of a factor than predicted.?
In addition, Linden had come into the meet having defeated Brandon in dual meet action and in the league meet just 10 days earlier.
‘They felt they had the upper hand and would take third,? Solley said. ‘We felt confident that we were the better team and this was the meet that we have been focused toward all season.?
Sophomore Kayla Doan paced the Blackhawks by finishing eighth overall (20:40), while freshman Kelsey Carmean placed 10th (20:45). Rounding out Brandon’s scoring were junior Jackie Back (21st, 21:45), freshman Sarah Eldon (25th, 22:01) and junior Amanda Allison (59th, 24:01).
Danielle Westphall (63rd, 24:12) and Casey Nesterowich (76th, 24:47) also competed in the regional meet for the Blackhawks.