Milford Cross Country member and sophomore Brian Kettle finished in second place out of a total of 249 competitive and determined runners. (Photo Courtesy Lauren Kettle)

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Milford Boys Cross Country team won in the MHSAA Division-I State Championship. They faced tough competition from 28 different teams, notably Hartland, Waterford Mott, Saline, and Lakeland. Through hard work and determination, Milford came out on top overall and also placed three runners in the top 15.

The Mavericks beat second-place Hartland by an outstanding 44 points. Milford’s first runner to cross the finish line was Brian Kettle, finishing with a time of 15:24, impressively placing second out of 249 runners. Following was Cody Snavely, 15:37, and Paul Ausum, 15:51, in 5th and 13th place, respectively. Rounding out the team’s overall score was Chris Housel and Matt Graves placing 75th and 78th. Helping the team succeed, Steve Sloboda and Shawn Welch finished with still good times. 

The 5K was held at the Michigan International Speedway. Part of the race consisted of running through the actual course. The Stadium was huge, and though the bleachers were empty, there were thousands of people; friends and family, runners and coaches, cheering on every competitor at the beginning and end. As part of celebration, the Milford boys ran a victory lap around the entire track. 

The journey to states was also victorious for the guy’s team. They came out on top at regionals at Huron Meadows in first place. 

            The boys showed up to the event confident in themselves and their teammates. They knew they could beat any team if they wanted to; all they had to do was try their best. They stayed concentrated and pumped until the very end. “The feeling of being involved in this race is intense and I was excited to compete,” said Graves.

            Despite individuals being pushed over, getting boxed in, and even tripping over objects on the path, Milford boys proved to be triumphant. Each guy finished the race with impressive times, and each helped to bring back the trophy for the Mavericks. “Working hard for something you can share with your team,” Welch explained, “makes it even more memorable.

            Among the traditions the guys have are pre-race dinner, and receiving their shirts that every year spell out Milford. On the way to States, the boys piled in a van and took a detour through Kensington; drive through the park inspired everyone because it’s where their journey to States began. Each player received an envelope soon after, each with inspirational words or quotes.

            Also among the boys was a member of the Lady Mavs Cross Country team, Rachel Barrett. As the only girl taken to states, Barrett really proved her talent when she came in 15^th place overall.

            Finding out they won was a dramatic and exciting moment for every one of the Mavs. After they were all out of their spikes and cooling off, Coach Salyers called them off to the side. He started with saying that Waterford Mott got third place. He paused and said it was a close race, and Hartland got second. After a long pause, the team was thrilled to find out it had won the State Championships.

            Congratulations were flying from all over as the boys started yelling. An award ceremony wrapped the event up and the boys gave a speech that showed their excitement. Overall, winning States was a very impressive and awarding experience for Milford High School.