BY DAN STICKRADT
CORRESPONDENT
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
WHITE LAKE — There’s often some controversy about how one pronounces Jackson Grzymkowski’s last name.
“I have heard a few odd ones,” smiled Grzymkowski, now a senior at White Lake Lakeland.
Each time that Jackson toes the line in the sports of cross country and track and field, there is no confusion whatsoever of his abilities. The standout is not only one of Oakland County’s best talents as a distance runner, but one of the state’s best as well.
Grzymkowski recently captured the prestigious Oakland County Championships individual title, finishing as the only runner in the deep field to break 16 minutes (15:56) on the hilly and difficult course.
He also won the Northville-sponsored Mustangs Classic and Holly Invitational and placed second at the Jackson Invitational. He also placed in the top five at all of his team’s dual races this season.
His best effort this year was 15:39.0 at the conference meet, which is also a career-best for an invitational race.
Last season as a junior, Grzymkowski had five top-10 finishes, another top 20 showing and a top-30 performance — and that came at the Division 1 state finals where he placed 23rd overall (15:45.3), good for All-State honors. That effort helped the Eagles capture the state runner-up trophy.
The school has finished in the top 10 at the state meet multiple times, including state championships in 1991, 1996 and 1997 along with runner-up finishes in 1994, 1995 and 2014. Grzymkowski is proud to be a part of that legacy.
“There’ a lot of history at Lakeland, a lot of tradition,” reminded Grzymkowski. “We’ve had a lot of great runners come through here. Our league has a great tradition and so does Oakland County. It is a great accomplishment winning the county this year and carrying on our tradition.”
Grzymkowski, a four-time letter winner in cross country, did not make the state meet as a freshman but finished 60th as a sophomore (16:26.2).
His success has also carried over into track and field. Grzymkowski, who has college racing on his radar, placed seventh in the 1,600 meters (4:14.91) at the 2015 D-1 state meet and also ran a fast 9:17.51 in the 3,200 meters at the Oakland County meet last May. He also qualified for the state meet in the 1,600-meter relay as well as a junior.
“I have a long way to go. I don’t feel like I am anywhere her peaking yet,” offered Grzymkowski. “Right now I just want to help my team qualify for the state meet again and try to finish in the top 10, maybe top five, at the state meet (individually).”