#109 - Records Already Falling!

Inside This Issue

• Weekend HS Highlights

• College/Pro Highlights

• Top 1500 Times By Alumni Men

• Interview: PV Barrier Breaker Katie Blue

• Other Things

Weekend HS Highlights

• Grand Ledge Comet Classic (4/24): The big news came in the throws, where Traverse City Central junior Loralei Zielinski, a UM commit, produced the best double in state history. First came the discus, where she opened at 160-3 and then heaved a STATE RECORD 167-0, beating the old mark by an inch. Future Wolverine teammate Abigail Russell of Allen Park set the old best in 2024. Her remaining 4 attempts went 158-9, f, 154-0, 160-6. She now ranks No. 3 in the U.S. this season. In the shot, she opened with a huge PR of 52-6, moving to No. 2 in state history (and No. 3 in the nation this season). She added throws of 47-9, 48-11, 49-2, 46-10, 49-2.5. Pole vaulter Katie Blue of Grand Ledge hit an outdoor best 13-6, becoming =2 in history. East Kentwood’s Shukuru Makechi PRed in the 300 hurdles at 38.02. He also ran on 42.01 & 1:27.11 relays. East Kentwood won both team titles. Results.

• Throws University #1, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania (4/24): Throwing a couple hours after Zielinski, Addy Stiverson of Montrose was the only female competitor here after a couple of collegians no-showed. She made the most of it, opening at 47-0.75, then fouling before finding her rhythm. On throw three she hit a STATE RECORD (outdoor) 53-3.75, beating her own 52-10.75 from last year. The next throw was another record, 53-5. She produced two more great heaves, 53-2.25, 52-4. Though her best is still a bit shy of the 53-7.75 that she threw indoors in December, it is the top outdoor mark in the nation this season. The next day, she threw the discus 140-3.

• Barnyard Invitational (4/24): Light rain didn’t slow down the milers. In the boys 1600 fast heat, a crowded pack at the front was led by Northville’s Ryan Stojov as it approached the bell, then Luka Hammond of Grand Haven unleashed a sub-60 final lap to take the win in 4:12.18. Beckett Crooks of Pioneer followed in 4:13.82, with 3rd going to Jacob Szalay of Saline (4:14.58), then Gavin Katic of Fenton (4:14.90), Stojov (4:15.05), Thomas Larson of Alma (4:15.47), Kamari Ronfeldt of Pioneer (4:16.27) and Moises Salazar of Adrian (4:17.05).

• Barnyard girls: The girls “diamond” race was even more consequential on a national level. Katie Berkshire of Gaylord took it out, leading through a 70.2 and being passed by Pioneer’s Natasza Dudek just before the 800 (2:24.1). Dudek really cranked the tempo, covering the third lap in 71.7 (3:35.8). Ludington frosh Eliza Schwass narrowed the gap and with 200 left exploded past. She sprinted to finish in 4:40.34, a 9th grade state record, with Dudek at 4:42.77, just missing the 10th grade record of 4:42.6. Northville frosh Alexandra Scappaticci hit 4:48.86, then Jaelyn Ray of Pinckney (4:49.22), Elliana Neuer of Hartland (4:50.27), El McMahon of Adams (4:50.32), Berkshire (4:50.50) and Ella Goodsell of Romeo (4:51.03). PRs came to the top 9! Schwass is now No. 6 in state history, Dudek No. 11. They are at Nos. 8 and 12 on the national list this season.

• Janke Invitational (4/24): East Lansing frosh Cayla Hawkins lit up the track with her 24.01 (wind 0.6) & 54.37 double, winning the latter by 6 seconds.

• Lukens Invitational (4/24): Leigha Whitman of Lakeshore popped an impressive state leader of 18-9 in the long jump. Jackson Lam of Norrix won the distance triple, but his 1600 really stood out, a solo 4:10.61 effort.

• Kent City Elite (4/24): Tri-County’s Xander Antor flew over 15-3 in the vault.

• Brighton Bulldog Invitational (4/25): Becca Van Lent of Skyline won the 800 in 2:13.93 over Hartland’s Elliana Neuer (2:14.99). Midland’s LJ Gallihugh won a fast sprint double in wind-aided times of 10.68 (2.8) and 21.97 (2.6). Results.

• Grand Rapids Elite Classic (4/25): Houseman Field produced some great performances. Olivia Latunski of Forest Hills Central threw 44-7 and 131-11. Izzy Robbins of Grand Haven vaulted 13-2. St. Joe’s Trenyse McGinnis won the sprints in 12.21 (-0.7) and 24.75 (-1.8). Best mark for the boys came from Alex Robbins of Otsego with a 184-7 discus. Grand Haven’s Keiavion Korenstra won a deep 100 in 10.76 (0.5) ahead of Coopersville’s Austin Langeland at 10.81. Christopher Cole of Ottawa Hills took the 200 at 21.91 (-0.3). Ryan Opsommer of Mona Shores hurdled a barely windy 14.54 (2.2).

• Throws America Spring Sling (4/12): Old news here, but notable. Catholic Central’s Paxton Heitsch is one of the state’s best shot putters, but he’s even better in the hammer, which the MHSAA doesn’t offer. He traveled down to Akron (he’s an Akron signee) to throw the ball and chain and left with a win at 202-10. The 12-foot PR ranks him No. 2 in state history, and No. 8 in the nation this year currently. Video.

• Jak Hammer HS Qualifier (4/26): This time Heitsch traveled to North Canton, Ohio, where he won again. He threw a PR 205-2, with another PR en route. His series: 200-6, 199-2, 204-4, 199-2, f, 205-2. At the same meet, Charlotte Martin hammered 138-1 for 2nd place. She is No. 6 in state history. Video.

College/Pro Highlights

• Penn Relays: Michigan’s men won the 4×8 in the No. 2 collegiate time ever, 7:09.24. Splits: John O'Reilly' 1:50.11, Brendan Herger 1:46.79, Camden Law 1:46.23, Trent McFarland 1:46.11. (And I say this as a big McFarland fan—that showboating at the end of a great race is going to burn him and the Wolverines someday—many officials would have thrown down a red card for what looked like taunting. And as T&FN correspondent Rich Sands wrote, “McFarland’s theatrics likely cost the Wolverines the Collegiate Record, with the Wolverines’ 7:09.24 now No. 2 all-time behind Arizona State’s 7:08.96 from ’84.”)

  Earlier the Wolverines had taken 5th in the DMR at 9:33.82, the big news there the stunning 1:43.83 leg by Miles Brown. Other random Penn performances by Michigan HS alumni men: Talha Syed (Salem/Duke) 13:52.21 PR; Braxton Brann (AAHuron/Ohio St) 13.76 (-1.0).

• Penn women: Seaholm alum Audrey Dadamio, running for Duke, clocked a PR 15:47.18 in the 5000. Other performances: Sam Hastie (AAHuron/UM) 4:14.58 for 6th; Hannah Pricco (Lansing Catholic/UM) 4:17.26 PR. Emmry Ross anchored the Michigan women to 2nd in the sprint medley with her 2:04.51 (3:44.29 total time).

  

  Gabriela Leon (Instagram)

• Freeman/Wood Open, Louisville: East Kentwood alum Gabriela Leon cleared a PR 15-7 (4.75), the highest vault ever by a Michigander. She is now =9 in U.S. history. Video.

• Chandler Ault: The homeschooled javelin wonder won the Mt SAC Relays with a toss of 235-11, his best throw since he was the ‘24 NCAA runner-up.

• Quincy Isaac… is healthy and jumping again. The UM frosh went 25-2.5 at the Spec Towns Invitational in Georgia.

• Benne & Selma Anderson: The Ottawa Hills alum siblings now at Syracuse ran 1500m PRs at the Virginia Challenge. Benne hit 3:37.20 for 1500 to win; last lap 54.97. Selma Anderson placed 11th in a 4:16.69… At Stanford two weeks earlier they both PRed at 5000: Benne in 13:43.15, Selma in 15:41.68.

• Will Jaiden Smith: The Belleville alum at South Florida has run 13.95 over the 42-inch hurdles so far.

• Megan Postma (West Ottawa/GV) ran 2:06.80 at the Clay Invitational. Teammate Daisy Speet (Coopersville) was right there at 2:06.81.

• Brooke Bowers (FHC/GV) took the D2 national lead with her 13-11.75 vault at Allendale last weekend.

• Emma Valentine (Morrice/Siena Hts) is back in the NAIA lead with he 5-9.25 leap

• Emma Stewart (Salem/Siena Hts) is No. 2 in the NAIA with her 13-1.5 vault.

• Camden Khon (Armada/Spring Arbor) is No. 3 in the NAIA with his 3:46.77 at the Drake Relays.

• Udodi Onwuzurike (Brother Rice-Nigeria) raced 200 last weekend in Bradenton, Florida, taking 2nd to Jordan Anthony in 20.24 (-0.4).

• Anna Cockrell (Country Day MS/Nike) With her 51.49 for 400 at Mt SAC, she finally has a 400 flat best better than her 51.87 over hurdles.

Top 1500 Times Ever By Michigan HS Alumni

(This is everyone who has ever run 3:42.2 or faster, so roughly the equivalent of a sub-4:00 mile. No conversions from the mile here, and no indoor marks.)

• 3:29.45     Hobbs Kessler (AA Skyline-adidas) 2024

• 3:33.17     Trent McFarland (Utica-UM) 2026

• 3:33.72     Grant Fisher (Grand Blanc-Nike) 2025

• 3:33.89     Paul McMullen (Cadillac-Saucony) 2001

• 3:34.06     Brendan Herger (Northville-UM) 2026

• 3:34.20     Morgan Beadlescomb (Algonac-adidas) 2025

• 3:35.84     Brian Hyde (East Kentwood-William & Mary) 1995

• 3:35.85     Donavan Brazier (Kenowa Hills-Nike) 2020

• 3:36.19     Earl Jones (Taylor Center-Santa Monica TC) 1986

• 3:36.81     Steve Sherer (Saline-unat) 2008

• 3:37.05     Liam Boylan-Pett (Bath-NYNJ) 2012

• 3:37.20     Benne Anderson (GR Ottawa Hills-Syracuse) 2026

• 3:37.97     Nick Foster (Ann Arbor Pioneer-UM) 2025

• 3:38.61     Treg Scott (Birmingham Seaholm-NYAC) 1991

• 3:38.70     Henry Dixon (Forest Hills Eastern-UM) 2026

• 3:38.77     Lex Williams (Dexter-unat) 2016

• 3:38.83     Justine Kiprotich (East Kentwood-MSU) 2019

• 3:38.91     Mike Michno (Inkster Cherry Hill-USAF) 1995

• 3:39.11     Dan Clark (Jackson Lumen Christi-unat) 2011

• 3:39.23     Tim Pitcher (Monroe-Athletes in Action) 1994

• 3:39.26     Pol Molins (Benzie Central-Illinois) 2026

• 3:39.44     Tom Duits (Hastings-WMU) 1978

• 3:39.57     Michael Atchoo (Troy-Stanford) 2013

• 3:39.63     Derek Scott (GR Northview-Brooks) 2009

• 3:39.64     John Petruno (Walled Lk Western-MSU) 2022

• 3:39.75     Elmar Engholm (Plymouth-Sweden) 2018

• 3:40.80     Aiden Sullivan (Forest Hills Eastern-UM) 2025

• 3:40.81     Corey Gorgas (Saugatuck-Northern Arizona) 2025

• 3:41.39     PJ Osika (Waterford Kettering-EMU) 1987

• 3:42.18     Todd Williams (Monroe-adidas) 1995

• 3:42.25     Josh McAlary (Jackson Lumen Christi-MSU) 2013

Interview: Katie Blue, Michigan’s First 14-Footer

For Katie Blue, vaulting is very much a family project. She comes by it naturally. Both her grandfather and father vaulted as preps in Ohio, and her father, Ryan Blue, went on to become a Mid-American Conference champion in the decathlon for Western Michigan. Her older brother, Adam, is the Grand Ledge record holder for boys at 15-6 and was D1 runner-up in 2022. Now he is an All-Big 10 vaulter for MSU with a best of 17-5.

Coached primarily by her father, Katie reached 7-0 as a 7^th grader and 9-6 the next year. In high school, she cleared 10-0 in 9^th grade to win the conference title. As a soph she topped 12-0 and placed 4^th in the D1 Finals. Last year she reached 13-4 indoors. Outdoors, her best was 12-9, the height she cleared for 5^th at D1.

The 2026 version of Katie Blue is on another level altogether. Indoors she had 9 meets over 13-feet. Now an MSU signee, she placed 2^nd at the state indoor, then made history at New Balance Nationals, taking the victory and becoming the first Michigan prep to top the 14-foot barrier.

Michtrack: I believe you’re the first pole vaulter from Michigan to ever win a national title. I assume that's because it's hard to win on the road in unfamiliar place. How did you do it?

Blue: I really just tried to come in with confidence and not put too much pressure on myself and just go and have fun and vault how I know how to.

Michtrack: When did you start getting the feeling that you might win this?

Blue: At first I was like pretty scared because I went to three attempts on 13-4 and I don't think I would have even placed if I hadn't made that. But after I made 13-8 on my second attempt I started to get pumped up and feel like I could really win it.

Michtrack: What were your emotions staring at the bar set at 14-feet?

Blue: I was pretty nervous, but I just tried to have the mentality of I know this is a bar I can make and I just tried to be like really confident with it and not get too in my head about what the bar is at.

Michtrack: You're having an incredible senior year and are a different vaulter than you were last year. What made the difference in the offseason?

Blue: I did a lot of working out. I feel like I didn't take it as seriously last year. So this year I really worked on getting stronger and faster and not just working on the little things.

Michtrack: Are you doing things differently than other vaulters in terms of accommodating your speed?

Blue:  I do four events right now for track, so I feel like that helps a lot. I've always done hurdles for a really long time. So I feel like as I'm doing speed work to get better at my other events. It also helps carry over into pole vault.

Michtrack: What was the process behind deciding on MSU?

Blue: I was really stuck at first, honestly, on where I wanted to go and trying to choose between a lot of different places but when I met with their new jumps coach [Tim Nickas], I was pretty much sold. I mean, Michigan State is close to home. So it's a good distance and their jumps coach is just awesome. He's so knowledgeable about pole vault. And so I'm just really excited to work with him.

Michtrack: I'm kind of curious how you got interested in the vault in the first place. When did you decide to pick up a pole?

Blue: I've been doing it for a while. Actually It has been a thing in my family for a while. My grandpa did it in high school and then my dad did it in high school and he did decathlon in college. It’s passed down, a family tradition.

Other Things

• Remember when Toledo was part of Michigan? (190 years ago)… so this how we’re justifying mentioning Toledo’s Glass City Marathon, where last weekend we had one of the most stunning marathon results ever. Vincent Mauri, an Ohio native and Notre Dame alum, ran his first marathon shooting for something in the 2:16 range. He finished in 2:05:53, the fastest American debut ever. Completely solo, no pacers, won by 15 minutes. Unbelievable.

• Unsolicited Timing Advice: A major race with national implications needs special attention to maximize fan interest and media coverage. For races like the diamond events at the Barnyard meet, we’d love to see FAT lap splits as well as 1500m times. Takes a bit more effort (and a second camera) but the athletes deserve it. And the 1500 splits may have given several of the athletes state records.

• Unsolicited Video Advice: I hesitate to offer anything that sounds like criticism to volunteers who were doing their best on a cold, rainy night. But once again, the athletes deserve the very best, so let me offer a few constructive tips for next year (and any other meets that are offering YouTube feeds). On the most important races, keep the camera on the leaders. We want to see the start clearly, the finish, as well as every time they cross the 400 line (so we have an idea of splits). We had dramatic battles in both diamond races, but missed key segments while the cameras were showing us random infield shots, coaches talking, shoes, and various artsy angles.

• Michigan TF/XC Hall of Fame

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