Fremont Runners Compete At State Finals, Pettis Captures All-State Honors

Fremont Runners Compete At State Finals, Pettis Captures All-State Honors
Story by Mike Paige
​Photo by Anne Pettis
 
On November 5, for the 9th straight year, the Fremont boys cross country team competed at the state finals. The team was projected to finish 18th in the field of 27 teams.  By race time, sustained 20 mph winds with 30 mph gusts were blowing. That made for tough conditions with runners running into the teeth of the wind for the first ¾ mile and the last 600 meters. The Fremont runners responded, though, with some great performances. They were once again led by Junior Sean Pettis who turned in the best performance of his high school career, running the course in 16:19. He was 34th at the halfway mark and moved up over the second half to finish 29th earning all-state honors. Also running for Fremont, in order of finish, were Johnny Christensen (87th – 17:05), Carter Sherman (99th – 17:16), Henrik Quist (140th – 17:34), Isaac Romero (190th – 18:12), Cole Lowery (208th – 18:25) and Chase Lowery (225th – 18:42). The team ended up 13th with 372 points exceeding projections by 5 positions. Most ran within seconds of season records in less than ideal conditions. According to Coach Somers, “This was a good showing and great experience for a young group that is excited to improve next season.”
 
Freshman Linnea Paige represented the girls team in her first State Championship race. She ended up 45th in the field of about 250 runners. She hovered in the 40-50 spots throughout the race, losing some ground but picking back up later in the race. Her time of 19:40 was only 7 seconds slower than her previous best. Per Coach Somers, “She is another young athlete who gained great experience running in tough conditions today, and we are excited to see where she goes from here.”
 
A few of Fremont’s runners, including Paige, will be competing next Saturday at the Michigan Meet of Champions in Shepherd.