Lansing Catholic girls track and field coach Tim Simpson led a team that was very special this season.
The team has done well in Division 3 state meets in the past, but this time LC had to contend in Division 2 and still came away with a credible performance which included a fourth place state finish this season.
Olivia Theis and Jaden Theis took second and third (4:54.33 and 5:00.72 respectively) in the 1600 meter run, and placed first and second in the 3200 meter run in 10:37.08 and 10:48.52. They were also the last two legs in the 4×800 relay that took second with a time of 9:34.79.
“This was our first year going up to Division 2,” Simpson said. “It was nice to score that many points at the state finals.”
Lansing Catholic scored 40 points compared to 64 for Zeeland East, 62 for Holland Christian and 42 for Detroit Country Day.
“We did it on our distance runners and relays,” Simpson said. “Our three girls in the mile all ran well. It was one of the few races all year that Olivia didn’t win. But that motivated her. Not that she wasn’t going to do well the two mile anyway. But she did what she was supposed to do in the two mile. She came away with a big win. Jaden ran a good race.
“Overall, our girls who were at the meet weren’t scared to be in Division 2,” Simpson added. “They knew what they were capable of.”