The Clinton Middle School Cross Country program has accumulated 43 team trophies and 573 individual medals in the last 6 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 over 100 miles this summer in preparation for the 2022 campaign.  

The 2022 team had 29 runners and earned 6 trophies and 90 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 the LCAA Championship for the third straight year, finished runner-up at the County Championship, and 4th at the MHSAA Regional!  The team was consistently led by Cole Hillegonds, Haiden Bennett, Ronan Stelzer, Broden Manchester, and Austin Strand.  “This group steadily improved throughout the year and challenged for the top spot at every race” said Coach Delezenne. Aiden Blom, Jacob Pizio, Samuel Quintana, Jimmy Schaffner, Wyatt Cameron, Aidan Grimm, Jaxen Speth, Trevor Aymen, Dylan Gurica, Brayden Schanz, Chris Scholten, Emery Speth, Sam Zbikowski, Owen Claus (mgr), Noah Dehring (mgr), and Grant Goodman (mgr) rounded out the boys team.  

The girls team steadily improved over the course of the season.  The team was led by pack running trio Ella Claus, Lila Huston-Kennedy, and Grace Farrell.  Elizabeth Cameron, Avery Loftis, Aubree McClain, MaeLynn Williams, Addison Loftis, Kelsi Long, Alyssa Piskorowski, Zoey Riddle, and Makena Peters (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 - Cole Hillegonds, Haiden Bennett, Ronan Stelzer, Austin Strand, Broden Manchester, Jaxen Speth, Wyatt Cameron, Chris Scholten, Lila Huston-Kennedy, Aubree McClain, MaeLynn Williams, Ella Claus, Grace Farrell, Alyssa Piskorowski, Kelsi Long, Addison Loftis, and Avery Loftis.

The boys 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 - Cole Hillegonds 5:26 (1st).

6th grade records set this year - Haiden Bennett 5:52 (1st) and Chris Scholten (5th).

The middle school program will graduate Aiden Blom, Cole Hillegonds, Broden Manchester, Ronan Stelzer, Austin Strand, Jimmy Schaffner, Samuel Quintana, Jacob Pizio, Elizabeth Cameron, Aubree McClain, Avery Loftis, and MaeLynn Williams 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 Monday, November 7.