Oak Park Secures Fourth Consecutive Division 1 Girls Track Championship

Oak Park has clinched its fourth consecutive Division 1 girls track and field championship, pulling ahead in the final moments against Detroit Cass Tech at Rockford High School. This victory marks the tenth title for Oak Park in the last twelve years, continuing a dominant legacy under the guidance of head coach Brandon Jiles since 2014.

The team showcased its prowess particularly in relay events, with Leah Thomas, Rhian Jeffries, Sophie Menker, and Nevaeh Burns triumphing in the 400-meter relay, while Payton Gee, Burns, Jordan McNeely, and Aubrey Douglas excelled in the 800 meters. Despite a strong challenge from Cass Tech, which saw Malise Brown winning the 200 meters and Laila Hawkins taking the 100-meter hurdles, Oak Park accumulated enough points across sprints, hurdles, and relays to secure the championship.

In Division 2, Macy Subka's victories in both hurdle events propelled Spring Lake to a team title, overtaking Holland Christian. Division 3 saw Olivet repeat its championship success, narrowly defeating Lansing Catholic with key wins in the 300-meter hurdles and both the 400 and 800-meter relays.

Kalamazoo Hackett won the Division 4 title by edging out Hudson with a final score of 44-43 in a closely contested meet. Individually, West Bloomfield's Kamryn Tatum secured her second consecutive title in the 100 meters, though she fell short of a fourth title in the 200. In distance races, Hartland’s Elliana Neuer and Ann Arbor Pioneer’s Natasza Dudek claimed victories in the 1600 and 3200 meters, respectively.

West Bloomfield also saw success in the relays, with Tatum contributing to a win in the 400 meters alongside teammates Lauryn Choice, Mharei Sampson, and Ese Uwedjojevwe. Ann Arbor Skyline added to its accolades with a strong performance in the 3200-meter relay, finishing in 9:05.75 with contributions from Irie Scrase, Isla Tharp, Lucia Llanes, and Becca Van Lent. In the field events, Troy's Kyleigh Peacock successfully defended her long jump title with a leap of 19 feet, 1 inch.

In Division 2, Dearborn Divine Child's Aubrey Wilson secured her third consecutive title in the 100 meters and added another victory in the 200 meters. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 800-meter relay team, comprising Carina Ogle, Victoria Andrzejczak, Josie Andrzejczak, and Vonessa Gonzales, also brought home a state title. Meanwhile, Division 3's Giuliana Nastale repeated as champion in both the 100 and 200 meters, while Clinton sophomore Ella Claus won the 400 meters, and Olivia Beaudrie from Monroe St. Mary’s Catholic Central took the high jump title. Whitmore Lake's Kaylie Livingston claimed the 1600-meter championship in Division 4, although the defending champion in the 3200 meters finished in second place this time.