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Marian Cross Country Qualifies for State Championships with Third-Place Regional Finish
Posted: Oct 30, 2025

Marian Cross Country Qualifies for State Championships with Third-Place Regional Finish

Marian Cross Country Qualifies for State Championships with Third-Place Regional Finish

BROOKLYN, Mich. — The Marian Mustangs are headed to the MHSAA State Championships after a standout performance at the Division 2, Regional 16-2 meet. Marian finished third overall, securing their place among Michigan’s best teams and earning a trip to the state finals next weekend at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Facing a highly competitive regional field filled with talented public and CHSL programs, the Mustangs delivered one of their strongest performances in recent years. Marian finished behind only Pinckney and Linden, while notably defeating Divine Child, Mercy, Country Day, Cranbrook, and Notre Dame Prep.

Head Coaches Alan Ganshorn and Chris Vanneste praised their team’s determination and chemistry throughout the championship season.

“Getting to the State Championships is hard — our region is filled with talent, and it feels really good to beat them,” said Coach Ganshorn. “The team energy yesterday was amazing, the best I’ve seen in my time at Marian. We rely on that energy to keep our confidence high and negative thoughts away.”

Regional Highlights

All-Regional Honors:

  • Gabby Schuff – 11th place, 20:24 (PR)
  • Lucy Clark – 14th place, 20:28

Top Team Performances:

  • Julia Geisz – 24th, 21:05 (39 seconds faster than last race)
  • Anna McCarthy – 25th, 21:09 (56 seconds faster)
  • Roisin Whelan – 27th, 21:18 (35 seconds faster)
  • Lanie Smith – 40th, 22:02 (50 seconds faster, 7-second PR)
  • Melanie Clark – 47th, 22:22 (7 seconds faster)

The open race runners also showed impressive improvement, with nearly every athlete posting season or personal bests, including Catalina, Jenell, Simone, Shyla, Emily, Lilly, Ella, Summer, Sofia, and Jade.

Mustangs of the Meet

  • Gabby Schuff: At one of the state’s toughest regional courses, Schuff ran a 68-second personal best and led the Mustangs with a gutsy performance.
  • Lucy Clark: Clark clocked her second-fastest time of the season, improving 28 seconds from her last race at Linden. A two-time All-Regional honoree this year (track and cross country), Clark’s consistency and leadership have been key to the team’s postseason success.

Looking Ahead

The Mustangs now prepare for the MHSAA State Finals at Michigan International Speedway — the biggest high school race of the season.

“We’ve earned the right to have one more week of work,” said Coach Vanneste. “The biggest race requires the biggest effort — and this team is ready.”

  • Marian
  • Catholic High School League
  • MHSAA
  • Leon Halip Photography