The build up to states was intense.  Taye Levenson and Freshman Addi Herr had been preparing for the regional cross country meet since the season started in August. In order to make it to the state meet they first had to qualify at regionals. 

When asked about the most stressful part of preparing for states, Herr said, “regionals was actually more stressful than states because I had to qualify for the state meet.”

The Michigan State meet is held at International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. 552 Men competed in the Men’s D1 race and 267 Women competed in the Women’s D1 race. Taye Levenson placed 27th, achieved an all-state medal and was 2nd D1 sophomore in the state. Addi Herr placed 87th and was 10th D1 Freshman in the state. Both underclassmen ran extremely well despite cold and windy conditions.

Although the state meet is a big event and can be overwhelming, neither underclassman let it get to their heads. When asked if they wanted to give up both responded that despite not feeling great, they never wanted to abandon the race. They also shared that the best part of states was the experience itself. The hundreds  of runners that come each year to watch, run, and support their teammates- along with the large number of cross country fans, parents and college recruiters- only added to the experience. 

Running in the state meet is every high school runner’s dream. For Levenson and Herr, this is only the beginning of what they will accomplish as high school athletes.