Martin concluded its historic first-ever cross-country season Saturday at the state Division 4 championships at Michigan International Speedway.
The brothers Young, Brysan and Carsen, both qualified to compete individually as the first Clippers ever to do so. Brysen, a junior, finished in 106th place among the 243 runners with a five-kilometer time of 18:20. Younger brother Carsen was right behind him in 108th place with a time of 18:21.
After the race, Coach John Visser said he was proud of his two runners representing Martin in its first state meet.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for both boys and they are already talking about next season, Visser said, “Being our first year, I didn’t know what to expect. I am really impressed with what we were able to accomplish this season.”
The Clippers indeed had a hugely successful inaugural season. The boys finished fifth in the regional meet Oct. 28, when the Youngs qualified by finishing among the top 15 individual harriers.
The girls placed eighth in the regionals, no mean feat because they didn’t have enough runners to field a team when the season began last August.
Mt. Pleasant Scared Heart won the team competition with 126 points, Potterville was runner-up at 185 and Beal City third at 204.
CarLee Stimfel of Cass City was individual champion with a time of 16:07.1.
PHOTOS: (Courtesy of Austin Marsman)
COVER: (From left) coach John Visser, Carsen and Brysan Young, just after they finished their historic 5K run.
Austin Marsman contributed to this report.
Couldn’t be more proud of my boys!! They both did an AMAZING job this year!! Way to represent the Clippers!!