Cross Country Has Strong Finish at Nationals
The Kellogg Community Men's Cross Country team, along with two Bruins from the Women's Cross Country team traveled to Huntsville, Alabama to participate in the NJCAA National Championship on November 11. The Bruins finished their season strong at Nationals with 2 Personal records, and the men's team finished 7th - the second best finish in men's program history!
Women's Cross Country
Sophomore Megan Jackson (Three Rivers/Three Rivers HS) finished off her Bruin career with an excellent effort at nationals. Her 77th place finish to cap her career was appreciated. Good luck Megan as she moves on to great things in her academic career. Freshman Brenna Withers (Battle Creek/Harper Creek HS) had one of two PRs (Personal Records) on the day for the both Bruin teams. Her 21:19 moved her up to the 4th best time in Bruin history as she was just outside of All-American status in the race with her 17th place finish of 98 runners in the race. Withers is hungry and motivated to go into her off season to dominate her off season workouts to secure an All-American status in next year's race.
Men's Cross Country
The men's team far exceeded their expectations entering the 2023 year, finishing an impressive 7th place as a team in the national championship. Freshman Carson Lenzinger (Richland/Gull Lake HS) capped an excellent freshman campaign in leading the Bruins with his 29th place finish of 126 competitors in the race. Freshman Alex Steward (Hastings/Hastings HS) proved his cross country ability is elevated on the 8K level. After finishing 39th in the race, his future is bright for his returning season next year. Freshman Zach Piercy (Battle Creek/Lakeview HS) had a gutsy race, finishing 40th, right behind his Bruin teammate. Freshman Caleb Keaton (Battle Creek/Lakeview HS) came close to finishing under the magical 30:00 minute mark in the race. Sophomore Brendan Wedding (Battle Creek/Lakeview HS) caps his career for the Bruins leaving nothing to regret. His 4 minute time improvement from his freshman campaign is both impressive and inspirational. Freshman Max LaDuke (Battle Creek/Lakeview HS) had the only men's PR for the day. Freshman Marcus Peevers (Battle Creek/Lakeview HS) rounded out the runners for the day. He had a gutsy run, tweaking his hip within the race as he finished 104th to finish off his freshman season.
Coach Shaw was very optimistic and proud of his team. He said "Overall, the future is bright for the Bruins. Success allows the Bruins to continue to attract talented runners to the team in the future." He touched on the plans for next year, saying, "Having the top 4 runners back next year bodes well for the men's team. The team goal will be to take the next step and break onto the podium with a top 3 team finish next year. Off season effort and improvement will be the key to next year's success."
Coach Shaw was proud of the ladies and looking for continued growth for the them. He said, "On the women's side, the level of talent at the area high schools will give the Bruins the opportunity to make huge strides of improvement as a team. Go Bruins!"