At the Dryden Cardinal XC Classic Invitational on Saturday, which Imlay City cross country coach Sara O’Brien jokingly called, “Mudfest 2023,” athletes fought through windy, chilly, hilly conditions to wrap up invitational racing a week before regionals. This race wasn't about the fastest time but more about remaining upright and finishing, as several runners slipped and fell or even lost shoes throughout the course.
The Algonac boys had a good showing, taking home the second-place trophy. Julian Walker paced the Muskrats with a third-place finish in 18:17. Owen Beindit (10th; 19:05) and Zach Witherspoon (12th; 19:13) were medalists in the top 15. “We were pleased with their performance as they were ranked fourth and passed up a few teams. They ran hard and didn't let the muddy course detract from their effort”, Algonac coach Don Shafer commented.
The Michigan Athletic Club for Homeschoolers (MACH) had three medalists: Ian Potts in fifth (18:41), Thomas Perez in seventh (18:51), and Gunnar Wessel in 13th (19:14). Imlay City’s Elliot Whitney was sixth in 18:47 to grab a medal as well, along with Memphis’ Kai Fisher in 17th (19:56). Top finishers from other Blue Water Area teams include Sam Keller of Kimball New Life Christian (23rd in 20:18) and Colton Grzyb from Almont (26th in 20:29).
For the lady medalists, Faith Wessel of Kimball New Life Christian led local finishers with a fifth-place finish in 22:17, while her teammate Erin Rowan was 13th in 22:55. Algonac’s Jasmine Walker was ninth (22:38), Almont’s Laila Evola 11th (22:43), Kimball New Life Christian’s Julia Rogers 12th (22:51), and Imlay City’s Charlotte O’Brien 16th (23:10). Ella Starnes was the Memphis Yellowjackets’ lone runner, finishing in 40th in 24:35.
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