Marian, Bloomfield Hills Area Runners Compete in State Cross Country Finals

The Marion High School cross country team showed a little youthful inconsistency during their 2013 campaign, which concluded at the state finals Saturday at the Michigan International Speedway. The Mustangs, who showed they belonged in the finals by running 12 personal bests in the same day at regionals, finished 27th overall Saturday. It was the first finals appearance as a team in four years, which had Head Coach Ovi Olteanu feeling extremely proud. 

"I'm proud that we did so well at the regionals when we (were) supposed to, at the most important meet of the season," he said.

With freshman Elli Johnson getting her best time, (20:12) in the regionals, and the Mustangs returning all runners but seniors, and team "engines" Annika Johnson and Julia Griessman, Olteanu said he hopes the team can build off their success next season.

"I hope the girls learn the lesson and they can see the hard work during this season was rewarded with this qualification at the state championship," he said. "I hope they will approach next season with more confidence and more desire."

Other Teams

Division 2

Cranbrook and Detroit Country Day finished 23rd and 24th overall. Yellow Jacket Junior Jackie Bredenberg was second overall at 17:55.9. Here are the top three finishers for both teams.

Country Day

• Jackie Bredenberg, 17:55.9   
• Alexis Lazarczyk, 20:48.1  
• Julia Dutkiewicz, 21:06.5

Cranbrook

• Claire Ford, 19:26.0  
• Natalie Baxter, 19:51.3  
• Katherine Toenniges, 21:51.5   

Marian

• Elli Johnson, 21:10.0
• Julia Griesman, 22:38.8 
• Mari Johnson, 22:44.9

• Freshman Elizabeth Jenkins, 19:09
• Sophomre Giovanna Leone, 19:56.6
• Junior Sam Babineau, 20:17.2