BD’s boys, girls CC teams run at state for the first time in school history

Just last year Britton Deerfield (BD) was unable to put together a complete varsity boys cross country team. This year the Patriots not only created a scoring team, they advanced one all the way to the state meet with the girls squad for the first time in school history.“This was a great day for Britton Deerfield,” said BD coach Jay Yockey. “We were just happy to be here competing with the best athletes in the state. Hopefully this is the start of a new chapter for our programs and soon we can be a power house in the state in terms of running.”The Patriot boys place 23rd overall in the event while the girls finished 20th in the Division 4 run. Rain slowed the course early in the day when the Patriots ran.“I’m very proud of my runners and how they handle themselves in different race situations and conditions,’ said Yockey. “Going into the race we knew times wouldn’t be fast because of the course conditions so we put more of an emphasis on placing.”Dakota Heiden led the Patriots’ boys with a 67th place time of 17:56.“Dakota Heiden really made an impact today as he finished in the top 70 and set a new PR [personal best record], Yockey said. “He’s improved a lot since last years state meet.”Rounding out the BD boys running were Gene Dudek (161st, 19:07), Hayden Ross (173rd, 19:25), Ron Gerten (183rd, 19:35), Colton LaGore (202nd, 20:15), Lucas Wielfaert (232nd, 21:59) and Garrett Woerner (234th, 22:01).Marisa Kimerer led BD’s girls with a 108th place time of 21:48.Also running for the Patriots were Morgan Tilley (110th, 21:49), Carrie Wielfaert (147th, 22:34), Jessie Langmeyer (154th, 22:55), Megan Wielfaert (216th, 25:08), Emma Loesch (221st, 25:23) and Jaiden Crots (228th, 25:41).“I honestly couldn’t ask for a better bunch of kids to coach and work with,” said Yockey. “Being here at MIS has really set the bar and they have seen what hard work can do. We’ve got our eyes and goals set on next year already and plan to be back and finish even better as a team.”BD’s girls placed 20th with 500 points. Beal City won the event with 120 points.The Patriot boys placed 23rd with 534 points. Saugatuck placed first with a score of 113.“I am very pleased with all the performances today and how the season played out,” said Yockey. “My girls placed 3rd or higher at most of our meets, placed second in the TCC and ran at the state meet. My boys were the dark horse this season and came on strong at the end and are a very young team.”