BY BUTCH HARMON
Led by the senior tandem of Tanner Hinkle and Alex Whitmer, the Mason cross country team captured the Division 2 regional title at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson.
Hinkle and Whitmer finished one-two individually to lead the Bulldogs to the title and a berth in this Saturday’s state finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
Hinkle took first place in a time of 15:30.90 while Whitmer was second in 15:51.90. Mason VanDyke was closed behind in fourth place in a time of 16:14.90 while Greg Ingle was 22nd in 17:11.10 and Preston Tickner placed 28th in 17:27.90.
Haslett finished fifth overall as a team. Junior Luke Corder paced Haslett as he finished seventh overall in a time of 16:31.10 followed closely by senior Kenna Gebissa who placed eighth in 16:31.50. Alex McCormick placed 16th in 16:54.30.
Williamston took sixth place as a team. Senior Aaron Baumgarten led the Hornets as he took fifth as an individual in a time of 16:19.10. Alexander Krantz waas 13th in 16:45.90 followed by Ben Thoenes (38th, 18:04.40), Connor Coscarelli (44th, 18:24.50) and Garrett Smith (48th, 18:28.70).