JENISON – It has been generations since the Grass Lake boys and girls teams celebrated track championships.
Both squads were able to celebrate together during Saturday’s Division 3 state track and field finals at Jenison High School, though.
Check out highlights below:
BOYS
Grass Lake’s boys won its first state championship since 1970, beating out Benzie Central 68-34 to capture top honors. It was the third title overall for the Warriors, who also won the state crown in 1969.
Senior Brennan Bargesser led the way for the Warriors, winning three individual events. He grabbed first places in the 100 dash in 11 seconds, the 200 in 22.60 and the 400 in 49.10. Bargesser also anchored Grass Lake’s 4-by-100 relay that took first in 44.43.
Connor Viegelahn was runner-up in the pole vault competition for the Warriors with a 12-09. The Warriors also received a pair of all-state performances from junior hurdler Jack Easterday. Easterday finished fourth in the 110 hurdles in 16.16 and sixth in the 300 hurdles in 42.40. Grass Lake’s Trenton Holden was fourth in the discus with a 139-02.
Also winning state championships Saturday:
*Hanover-Horton senior Dean Reynolds in the 800 (1:55.15)
*Benzie Central sophomore Hunter Jones in the 1,600 (4:17.18)
*Calvin Christian senior Luke Witvliet in the 3,200 (9:29.18)
*Hamady senior Dakari Betts in the 110 hurdles (14.86)
*Riverview Gabriel Richard senior Asher Cousino in the 300 hurdles (39.45)
*Erie Mason senior Tyler Bates in the shot put (54-07)
*Delton Kellogg senior Cole Pape in the discus (150-07)
*Pewamo-Westphalia senior Ben Arens in the high jump (6-08)
*Sand Creek senior Jacob Alston in the pole vault (13-03)
*Sanford-Meridian senior Jack Murphy in the long jump (22-05.50)
*Sanford-Meridian’s 4-by-200 relay (1:31.96)
*Jonesville’s 4-by-400 relay (3:29.89)
*Traverse City St. Francis’ 4-by-800 relay (8:16.64)
GIRLS
Pewamo-Westphalia and Grass Lake tied for top honors with 41 points apiece.
Pewamo won its second consecutive state championship and fifth overall. The Pirates also won crowns in 2010, 2013 and 2015 in addition to 2019 and Saturday.
Meanwhile, Grass Lake earned its first title since going back-to-back in 1977 and 1978.
Grass Lake’s junior sprinter Lexus Bargesser sparked the Warriors to a share of the title, winning three individual events. She won the 100 in 12.12, the 200 in 25.30 and the 400 in 55.54.
The Pirates did not win an individual title, but they racked up the points with their depth. Junior sprinter Sophie Thelen was second in the 200 (25.91) and third in the 100 (12.50). Thelen also gave the Pirates a third-place finish in the pole vault (10-09). Pewamo’s Saige Martin was runner-up in the 100 hurdles (16.25), and she was third in the 300 hurdles (47.16).
Also winning championship Saturday were:
*Ithaca junior Lani Bloom in the 800 (2:13.67) and the 1,600 (4:48.89)
*Western Michigan Christian junior Abby VanderKooi in the 3,200 (11:05.55)
*Mason County Central senior Nyah Tyron in the 100 hurdles (15.36) and the 300 hurdles (45.01).
*Byron senior thrower Sarah Marvin in the shotput (50-09.50) and the discus (160-00). Her mark in the shot put set a state record.
*Kent City junior Mickenzie Brancheau in the high jump (5-03.00).
*Cass City senior Madison Beckrow in the pole vault (11-03.00).
*Blissfield junior Annabelle Smith in the long jump (18-01.50).
*St. Charles’ 4-by-100 relay (50.62)
*Montague’s 4-by-200 relay (1:46.22)
*Shepherd’s 4-by-400 relay (4:10.48)
*Hart’s 4-by-800 relay (9:36.77)
