By John Raffel
Frankenmuth fell just short of successfully defending its Division 3 state track and field title in the finals May 30 at Comstock Park. Pewamo-Westphalia was first with 62 points, Frankenmuth was second (59.5), and Manistee third (57).
The Eagles had several outstanding performances, including a big day in the field events.
“They have nothing to be ashamed of,” Frankenmuth coach Michael Snyder said. “I know they’re disappointed because they didn’t win. But second place, that’s pretty awesome.”
Stephanie Lambeth won the pole vault at 12’3″ for a new Lower Peninsula Division 3 record. It was a wet, windy day, but neither Lambeth nor her coach wanted to use that as an excuse.
“Everyone performed in that,” Snyder said. “We had a state record holder in the pole vault and personal records set in the hurdles and other events. You can’t ask for more than that.”
“It wasn’t my best day because of the weather, but I was very happy I got the state meet record,” Lambeth said. “I wish I did better, but I can’t complain. I was hoping for at least 13’3″. You have to stay warm, cover your pole to stay dry, and have your game face on and be ready.”
Keri Frahm was second in the discus, with a throw of 117’6″. Sydney Bronner was first in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 46.28 seconds, second in the 100-meter hurdles in 15.02, and third in the high jump at 5’3″.
“I’m pretty happy with how things went,” Bronner said. “I’m surprised I got first in the 300. It’s not my favorite race. There are other girls that are very good. I came out stronger than I usually do. [The competition] was really good. They were right with me.”
Sara Beulla was sixth in the 100-meter dash (13.93). She was on the 800-meter relay team, along with Bronner, Felicia Whitley, and Lauren Woodard, which took third in 1:48.34.
The 400-meter relay team of Kendra Kujat, Sarah Pasco, Lambeth, and Beulla took second in 51.27.
Snyder agreed that his team has had a competitive rivalry with Pewamo-Westphalia for Division 3 supremacy. “Next year, too,” he smiled. “It’s a big rivalry. They’ve got a good team.”