Towards the end of the race, the clock was ticking nearing the 16-minute mark; senior Sam Yeager was looking to topple the qualifying mark for states. As he crossed the line, the time read 15:58.74. This would send the senior phenom to the state meet and make history for FHC.

On Saturday, the boys and girls cross country team lined up in the MHSAA Regional meet with hopes of qualifying its runners to states. The boys team came in fourth place, just a few points behind qualifying. However, Sam became the second Ranger in history to break 16 minutes for a 5k. Ethan Krampe came in second for Central and 17th overall with a time of 16:36.04. Nathan Decker also had a really nice run, breaking 17 minutes. Overall, the boys wish they could have qualified, but are glad to have a runner represent them at states.

The girls also came short of qualifying by 29 points behind Grand Haven. Mia Bateson placed fourth overall, which progressed her to the state finals; she ran a time of 18:32.68. Anna Sybenga had an amazing race, breaking the 20-minute marker. She placed 23rd overall as a freshman. Gwen Lamport was the third FHC runner to cross the line for the girls and placed 28th.

Overall, the runners wish they could have performed better; being one place behind qualifying isn’t always the best feeling.

“The team did alright,” said junior Ethan Krampe. “We fell short by a few points of going to states.”

On the positive side, the Rangers are looking forward to watching Sam and Mia try to perform their best in the state finals. If they place in the top 30, they will be named as all-state runners.