John Raffel
Sports Scene
Chesaning’s boys track and field teams were on top of the Division 3 track world on June 3 at Comstock Park with a state championship.
The Indians scored 47 points compared to 42 for second-place Hillsdale.
The state champions seized on several clutch performances.
Sam Forsyth won the long jump (21-6 12) and anchored the 4×200 meter relay team that took first in 1:29.55
Paxton Ruddy was third in the high jump (6-6). Brandon Keys was sixth in the long jump (21-6 1/2). The foursome of Anthony Aguado, Brady Fraiser, Zach McFarland and Brandon Keys were seventh in the 4×100 meter relay in 43.93. McFarland took third place in the 400-meter dash (50.74). Forsyth was third in the 200-meter dash (22.88). The 4×400 relay team of Paxton Ruddy. Hayden Giesken, Forsyth and McFarland was fifth (3:24.59).
In March during preseason training, Forsyth was asked if he thought this team could win a state title.
“Coming into the season, I didn’t think so,” he replied. “Going into the meet, we knew we were going to be top three. Coach (Jason) Hemgesberg, that guy knows what he’s doing.”
Forsyth is back next season and that factor, along with the return of others, could give the Indians a chance to repeat.
“We’re losing a couple, including a guy who placed in all four of his events at state and another guy who got third in the high jump,” Forsyth said. “It’s going to be rough. We’re also losing a hurdler. But I think we’ll be able to replace some. Our sprint relays will be OK. The 400 and high jump athletes who are leaving, that will be a little tough.”