White Cloud Boys Track and Field News

Senior Jayden Robinson at the Mohawk Relays

The White Cloud boys’ track and field team is about a month into the outdoor season of competition and, despite weather and injury woes and scheduling conflicts, the team is looking forward to some big meets that are approaching. 

The boys finally got the season started at the Mohawk Relays April 12 after delaying many times and finally canceling a contest vs. Newaygo due to the unruly spring weather. At the Mohawk Relays, the Indians finished 4th out of six teams. They barely missed a 2nd place finish despite having 4 athletes taking part in Quiz Bowl State Finals that weekend. 

Next, the Indians faced a good Lakeview team and lost 72-57. The contest was fought in 30-40 mph winds and showers which actually canceled pole vault for the day. Their next contest was the 16 team Ludington Carferry Invitational at Mason County Central April 25. They boys finished 9th overall despite being the third smallest school in the contest. Again, 4 athletes were absent due to taking part in Quiz Bowl National Finals in Chicago. Two other key athletes were out due to injuries, causing the Indians to slip a bit in the standings. “We have not had a lot of luck with the weather, with injuries, and with absences due to other commitments," commented Coach Tod Reeve. “But I love how hard our kids have fought and I appreciate those four athletes who are also representing White Cloud in something as prestigious as Quiz Bowl State and National Finals. It is an honor to have them represent our school in that way.” 
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April 28th saw the Indians host both Kent City and Central Montcalm in a double dual after weather and scheduling conflicts changed the dates of contests that were supposed to be against just one other school. Although White Cloud came up short against both schools, Indian athletes recorded a total of 21 personal best efforts on the night. 

“We were still missing two key athletes, which affected three of our four relays”, stated Coach Reeve, “but, overall, I am again proud of our effort. Once those two athletes are back, we will make a strong push toward defending our regional title from last year.” 

May 1 found the Indians participating in the 5 school Newaygo County Invitational hosted by Fremont High School. Grant, Newaygo, and Hesperia joined in the action, and White Cloud was able to finish 2nd overall despite being the smallest school. Once again, rain plagued the meet, causing field events to be quite messy, as well as the first half of the running events, which limited the amount of personal best efforts on the day. Yet the Indians were able to record four 1st place and five 2nd place finishes, with those contestants receiving medals for their efforts. 

Despite the less than ideal start to the season, some key athletes have made their presence known. Senior Jayden Robinson has shown himself as one of the top high jumpers in the state in division 4. His clearance of 6’6” has him tied for number 1 among small schools. He is also showing his prowess in the long jump and is teaming with fellow seniors Dalton Crawford, Alex Collard, and David Higgs in both the 4x100 and 4x200 meter Relays, the latter of which they are ranked #1 in the region. Dalton and David are both highly ranked in the region in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. And junior Giuliano Venditti is developing into one of the best 110 meter and 300 meter hurdlers in the area in all divisions.
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White Cloud will continue action Tuesday at Morley Stanwood before competing in the CSAA Small School Championship Friday, May 9 in Kent City. They will then head to Brethren to try to defend their regional title at the MHSAA Division 4-33 Regional May 17. 

Sophomore James Elliott at the Mohawk Relays