The Clinton Middle School Cross Country program has accumulated 48 team trophies and 654 individual medals over the last 7 seasons.  “The success of the program is a direct result of the time and effort kids are willing to put forth,” said Coach Delezenne.  Runners accumulated approximately 180 miles during the 2023 campaign.  

  The 2023 team had 28 runners and earned 5 trophies and 81 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 finished 4th or better in 9 of 11 races while finishing 3rd at the MHSAA Regional.  The team was consistently led by Haiden Bennett, Chris Scholten, Owen Claus, Aidan Grimm, and Abram Thompson. Dylan Gurica, Emery Speth, Sam Zbikowski, Max Blom, Noah Dehring, Kane Darmis, Max Morgan, Kayden Rubio, Grant Goodman, Will Charlton, and Vinnie Carruba (mgr) rounded out the boys team.

The girls team steadily improved over the course of the season and finished runner-up in the LCAA and a top 5 finish at the MHSAA Regional.  The team was consistently led by Ella Claus, Grace Farrell, Henley Wright, Harper Wright, Alyssa Piskorowski, and Katelynn Wellday.  Kelsi Long, Niviana Young, Alyson Gallup, Olivia Grzebik, Zarijah Hernandez, Madison Hubbard, Madylynn Stratz, Emma Blom (mgr), and Natalie Blom (mgr) rounded out the girls team.  

Runners earning one medal or more this season - Aidan Grimm, Haiden Bennett, Dylan Gurica, Chris Scholten, Owen Claus, Noah Dehring, Abram Thompson, Ella Claus, Grace Farrell, Henley Wright, Harper Wright, Kelsi Long, Alyssa Piskorowski, Madylynn Stratz, Katelynn Wellday, and Niviana Young.

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

8th grade record set this year - Ella Claus 6:43 (4th).

7th grade records set this year - Haiden Bennett 5:45 (1st) and Chris Scholten 6:04 (4th).

6th grade records set this year - Owen Claus 6:11 (2nd).

The middle school program will graduate Ella Claus, Grace Farrell, Aidan Grimm, and Will Charlton 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 6.

Clinton Cross Country headed to Hudson Mills Metropark on Friday, September 1, to cheer on the University of Michigan Cross Country teams in their season opener.  The first male crossed the line at 14:58 while the first female runner completed the 5K course in 17:21.

After the race, members of the women’s team spoke to the entire program and gave some insights into enjoying the sport and how to recover after a tough workout.  We followed up the race with dinner at A&W.

Overall, an awesome day to watch and converse with elite athletes and coaches.  

UM head girls coach, Mike McGuire,  

Interested in joining Clinton Middle School Cross Country in 2023?  Please email jeff.delezenne@clinton.k12.mi.us for more information.  Clinton MS Cross Country summer conditioning begins Wednesday, June 7 from 8-9:45 AM at the middle school while the season officially begins August 21.  This is for any 6th-8th grade student at Clinton Community Schools.   Join us on Facebook at ‘Clinton Middle School Cross Country’ for information regarding the 2023 season.