(Chelsea Update would like to thank Head Track and Field Coach Shane Rodriguez for the information in this story.)
Head Coach Shane Rodriguez said he was proud of the Chelsea Girl’s Track and Field Team efforts at the D2 MHSAA State Championships on Saturday at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern High School.
“They did a great job of representing Chelsea, and I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts on this day and all season,” he said of the squad with just four seniors.
Here are some of the highlights from the meet:
*Senior Grace Sauers capped of her storied Chelsea career with a 5th place finish in the 300 hurdles, and set a school record.
“Grace is a special athlete; she now owns five school records: 300 hurdles, long jump, and the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 relays,” the coach said, adding that she also competed in the 100 hurdles, but did not make the finals.
The 4×200 meter relay team of Sauers, Laura McGrath, Amanda Simich, and Vicki Collins earned All-State status with a 6th place finish.
“Awesome job to these ladies as they have been solid all season,” Rodriguez said.
The 4×400 relay team was just shy of the podium and all state by placing 10th. “This is the fastest the relay has run all season and their time would usually place, just not this year,” he said.
Senior Talia Dyerly competed in the pole vault, but did not place.
“Being a state qualifier and regional champion is a huge honor and I am extremely proud of her,” the coach said, adding her season best of 9′ 6″ ranks 7th all-time in Chelsea history.
“These accomplishments are even more impressive considering she just came out for the team as a junior,” he said.
Rodriguez also wanted to thank “what I consider the best coaching staff in the state,” he said.
- Loren Thorburn is the sprints and 400 meter and 800 meter coach.
- Steve Forsburg is the high jump coach
- Kari Goorehouse is the throws coach
- Eric Swager and Mike Holik are the distance coaches
- Bert Kruse is the hurdles and sprints coach, as well as the greatest resource in overall track and field knowledge anyone could ask for.
“Thank you to all kids, parents, administrators, athletic secretary Tracie Stoffer, and volunteers for making the entire season a success,” he said.
