The Bay City Central Cross Country team is looking to have a great season this year, and could possibly be one of the top teams in the Saginaw Valley League in the upcoming years. This past Thursday, they competed in the 2018 Shepherd John Bruder Classic in Shepherd, MI. The meet was made up of mostly division two schools, which is very odd seeing as how BCC is a division one school.

The top finisher for the BCC team was Tyler Johnroe, who ran a season record 18:15 5k time. The top girl finisher for the Wolves was Ariella Cuellar who ran her best time of 22:26. Overall, the boys team placed seventh and the girls team also placed seventh. The meet was won overall for the boys by Shepherd, and Mason for the girls.

Overall, the team has shown great improvement over the years and continues to grow more in numbers every year. The principle of Central, Tim Marciniak, has even estimated that the team will be able to compete against the Bay City Western Cross Country team. Sophomore varsity runner, Mercedes Lasecki, was asked for her opinion on what direction the team was heading and replied, “It’s so cool seeing so many girls choose to run Cross in the Fall, I know for sure this team is gonna be winning medals this season.”

The 2019 season is sure to be an amazing for the Bay CIty Cross Country team, and they are looking to be a huge threat to rival teams in the near future.

Photo: Bay City Central Cross Country Team

Pictured Credited: Jacob Manchester

     The Bay City Central Cross Country team is looking to have a great season this year, and could possibly be one of the top teams in the Saginaw Valley League in the upcoming years. This past Thursday, they competed in the 2018 Shepherd John Bruder Classic in Shepherd, MI. The meet was made up of mostly division two schools, which is very odd seeing as how BCC is a division one school.

     The top finisher for the BCC team was Tyler Johnroe, who ran a season record 18:15 5k time. The top girl finisher for the Wolves was Ariella Cuellar who ran her best time of 22:26. Overall, the boys team placed seventh and the girls team also placed seventh. The meet was won overall for the boys by Shepherd, and Mason for the girls.

     Overall, the team has shown great improvement over the years and continues to grow more in numbers every year. The principle of Central, Tim Marciniak, has even estimated that the team will be able to compete against the Bay City Western Cross Country team. Sophomore varsity runner, Mercedes Lasecki, was asked for her opinion on what direction the team was heading and replied, “It’s so cool seeing so many girls choose to run Cross in the Fall, I know for sure this team is gonna be winning medals this season.”

     The 2019 season is sure to be an amazing for the Bay CIty Cross Country team, and they are looking to be a huge threat to rival teams in the near future.

Photo: Bay City Central Cross Country Team

Pictured Credited: Jacob Manchester

     Bay City Central’s Cross Country Team has been growing stronger and stronger each year, and one the leading forces behind this is BCC sophomore Mercedes Lasecki. Lasecki is a four year runner and has been a powerful member for the Handy Middle School and Central team throughout her running career. Her great mindset of having a positive energy and knowing that she can reach success has led her to being the great athlete she is today.

     Lasecki’s advice for people getting into the sport is to push yourself to try new things with an open mind, and to just do it. “Anyone can do Cross Country, you don’t have to be good at running.” said Lasecki after her race in Mt. Pleasant. She hopes to see a lot more runners in the near future and hopefully earn herself a spot on the Cross Country record board in the Central High School gymnasium.

     Lasecki said that one of her biggest motivators has been her coach Russ Gorski, who pushes her each and every practice and at all her races. She also gives big props to her fellow teammates Ariella Cuellar and Gabby Hugo, who welcomed her into the high school team and helping to push her to reach her goals each and everyday.

     Lasecki knows she is destined for success and looks forward the rest of her season. She can’t wait to prove to herself and others that anyone can reach their goals if they really try their hardest and push themselves.

Pictured: Mercedes Lasecki at the 2018 Shepherd Invitational

Picture Credited: Jacob Manchester