WHAT HAPPENED: The Grand Haven cross country girls team took the O-K Red Conference Championship, one of the state’s most competitive conferences, by storm this past Thursday. The varsity runners ended with a bang, for some it was their final meet, finishing in an overall 3rd place tie with Caledonia.

WHAT IT MEANS: These runners proved that they are capable of placing well at a championship level. For them, it’s no longer a fight to get to MIS, as they have the power to make a splash and leave a lasting impression for next season. The girls are all faster than they think and they proved that to themselves on Thursday.

KEY MOMENTS: Even at the championship, it’s hard to find the massives crowds that give the athletes the dive to power them home, however senior Gina Marecek, recently coming back from an injury, showed her mental toughness pushing through the dry patches and holding her place through the second mile, setting her up for a strong and memorable finish.

STAR PLAYERS: If this meet was a preview for what the future looks like for the girls cross country team, it looks extremely bright. Abby Buitenhuis secured an all-conference honor, a huge accomplishment in the O-K Red Conference, and a tremendous title for what she has earned for the last several years of growing into an incredible athlete. In addition, Eden Traub has taken a huge step this season and has been racing like a superstar. The team can always count on her to fight to the finish line.

THEY SAID IT: “It’s important for the varsity runners to have a mindset that this is just the beginning,” senior Gabby Hentemann said. “We have a couple of races left this season, and these last weeks are the most memorable and fun of the whole year.”

WHAT’S NEXT: For those who have qualified, the next stop is regionals on October 27 at Allendale. Hopefully, they can secure a spot in the state championship November 3.