The Clinton Middle School Cross Country program has accumulated 33 team trophies and 396 individual medals in the last 4 seasons.  “The success of the program is a direct result of the time and effort kids are willing to put in, including showing up for summer conditioning,” said Coach Delezenne.  Runners logged well over 100 miles this summer in preparation for the 2020 campaign.  

The 2020 team had 29 runners while earning 7 trophies and 79 medals.  The returning runners were motivated to improve on last season. Both teams were competitive and thrived on the success of one another.  Overall, it was a very successful season.

The boys team was a force to be reckoned with as it won 6 meets this year!  The team was consistently led by Gabe Manchester, Nickolas DeVitto, Ronan Stelzer, Brodie Stipe, David Wegner, Angel Rubio, and Cole Hillegonds.  “This group steadily improved throughout the year and challenged for the top spot at every race” said Coach Delezenne. Gage Blackburn, Drew McNatt, Michael Ruhl, Ben Jacobs, Jacob McAllister, Jack Morgan, Nick Jacobs, Broden Manchester, Jacob Pizio, Austin Strand, Haiden Bennett (mgr), Liam McClain (mgr), and Bryce Martinez (mgr) rounded out the boys team.  

The girls team showed up ready to compete in every race this season as it finished top 2 in six meets.  The team was led by Zoey Sierer, Sarah King, Aurelia Bennett, Dalia Albashir, Avery Loftis, and Kira Wilson.  This team was young but earned three trophies this season.  Maya Freeman, Ava Roesler, Delilah Buckmaster, Kelsey Covell, Aubree McClain, MaeLynn Williams, and Molly Sierer (mgr)  rounded out the girls team.  “This group was competitive all season and surprised many with its improvement” said Coach Delezenne.

Runners earning one medal or more this season - Gage Blackburn, Nickolas DeVitto, Gabe Manchester, Brodie Stipe, David Wegner, Ben Jacobs, Jack Morgan, Angel Rubio, Cole Hillegonds, Broden Manchester, Ronan Stelzer, Austin Strand, Sarah King, Zoey Sierer, Dalia Albashir, Aurelia Bennett, Kira Wilson, and Avery Loftis.

The record board changed quite a bit this year.  With the distances changing from race to race, pacing is used to determine times.  

8th grade records set this year - Gabe Manchester 6:16 (4th), Zoey Sierer 6:40 (3rd), and Sarah King 6:45 (5th).

6th grade records set this year - Ronan Stelzer 6:23 (1st), Cole Hillegonds 6:48 (4th), and Broden Manchester 6:54 (5th).

The middle school program will graduate Gage Blackburn, Nickolas DeVitto, Gabe Manchester, Drew McNatt, Michael Ruhl, Brodie Stipe, David Wegner, Maya Freeman, Sarah King, Ava Roesler, and Zoey Sierer to the high school team.

Is your child interested in joining MSXC next season?  Email Coach Delezenne at jeff.delezenne@clinton.k12.mi.us for more information.  

Not participating in a school sport during November and December?  Any 5th-8th grader can join CMS Polar Bear Club.  It begins Wednesday, November 11.