By Dan Hardenbrook
The first championships of the fall sports season will be awarded this weekend, as the MHSAA Cross Country Finals take place Saturday at the Pictured Rocks Golf Course in Munising. Several individuals and one team from the local area will be taking the course looking to bring home titles. Here is a look at the top contenders and team heading into the championship event.
Sammy Taylor, Newberry
She has been here before and shined on the biggest stages the sport has to offer. Already a multiple time medalist and All State athlete, Ammy will look to take down her biggest rival, Pickford’s Talya Schreiber. They may be the two best runners regardless of division and they are the top two favorites to win on Saturday.
Abby Taylor, Newberry
The Taylor sisters make Newberry the undisputed home of the First Family of Running. Not only sisters, Abby and Sammy give each other the best training partner anyone could ask for. Often side by side, Abby has made a name for herself and shouldn’t be counted out in Munising.
Molly McNamara, Engadine
Due to Engadine’s school size, the MHSAA allows them and other schools of similar or smaller size to use 8th grade athletes in Varsity competition. “Molly Mac” may be the best 8th grade runner in the Upper Peninsula, and she already has a championship-level work ethic and talent. This will be her first time on the big stage, and it could also be her coming out party as an elite runner in the Upper Peninsula.
Dakota Taylor, Engadine
The senior will lace up his running shoes for the final time Saturday, and when he crosses the line, it will officially cap off an incredible career. He has already left his mark on the Engadine record books; now he will take aim at the U.P.’s best. A championship performance on Saturday would both validate his individual accomplishments and might bring home a team title to Engadine as well.
Engadine Boys Varsity – Division 3
If Dakota Taylor has a strong day, and teammate Duane Krenek also cracks the top of the leaderboard, it may launch the Eagles into contention for a Division 3 Team Championship. You must have Championship talent, which Krenek and Taylor have, but the team must also have depth. Five team members must finish, and every athlete can make an impact regardless of how they place. It’s part of what makes the sport special. Everyone competes, and everyone counts or has a role. Every position matters. While Taylor and Krenek will be keys, it could also come down to Engadine’s young core that has been helping the Eagles win meets all season.
