Cross-country team and individuals qualify for state competition!

Cross-country teams are state bound! Foreground, Coach Sarah McCaffrey.

submitted by Daniella Kippnick

Manchester High School’s cross-country teams met at Willow Metropark on Saturday, October 29, for their regional cross-country meet. It was a very foggy morning, which made the course feel unusual for both the runners and the spectators. Even late in the morning, it was difficult to see the runners until they were within about 15 feet.

Many find our regional course to be challenging because it runs up the huge sledding hill two times. With the fog that morning, from the top of the hill it was impossible to determine the runners and the jerseys at the bottom. The meet felt surreal.

And it ended that way for the Manchester boys’ team. For the last few years, it seemed like it was the year they would finally qualify as a team for the state meet; each year they missed qualifying together by a hair. There have been many individual qualifiers over the years, but the boys’ team has not qualified to run together since 1997. This year was the year! They finally came with the training and the fire they needed and qualified as a team to run together at the State Finals.

Congratulations to the entire Boys’ Cross-Country Team!

Boys’ Team Placement and 5k Time at the Regional meet: Nathan Kippnick 2nd overall at 16:27 — Individual Qualifier; Caiden Kippnick 5th overall at 17:02 — Individual Qualifier; Grant Johnson 12th overall at 17:53 — Individual Qualifier; Hunter Anderson 20th overall at 18:27; Jack Coluccy 42nd overall at 19:31; Will Dykstra 44th overall at 19:41; Justin Gale (did not finish due to injury).

Congratulations also to the Girls’ Team Individual Qualifiers: Allie Koch 5th overall at 19:54; Lydia Bennet 16th overall at 21:38; and Ellie Marsh 17th overall at 21:44.

All of Manchester’s Cross-Country qualifiers ran at MIS on Saturday, November 5. Many friends, family, and former teammates came out to cheer them on, braving the wind and cool rain. While many wished for better race times, nicer weather, and better health the week before the race, everyone was grateful to be able to participate together at a highly honored race.

Additionally, both teams placed very well at the Conference Meet in Jackson at Ella Sharp Park on Wednesday, October 19. The boys placed 2nd in the conference and the girls’ team placed 3rd. Both teams faced tough competition in the Conference.

Congratulations on a wonderful season and for all of the hard work, good attitudes, and determination throughout the year.

Great job representing Manchester to all of the Cross-Country Runners, Coach Sarah McCaffery, and Volunteer Assistant Coaches Stephanie Johnson and Liam Riley.

Cross-Country Regional qualifiers

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.