Memorable Moments of U.P. Track Finals
By David Latva

The Upper Peninsula Track and Field Finals each year is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the U.P., and the following highlights are just some of the memories:

During the first coverage year at the finals in Marquette in 1989, John Payment of Brimley set a state and U.P. record with a height of 7'1" in the high jump that still stands, coming into the 2007 finals at Kingsford.

The athletes, coaches, and fans stood so still as Payment made his record jump, a pin could have been heard if dropped. After the height was cleared, the field trembled with the roar from the crowd.

In 2000, two Engadine athletes, Nick Albright and Justin Wilcoxen, carried the Green and Gold to a third place finish, one point away from the runner-up trophy. Albright won the 200-meter dash in 23.17 seconds and the 400- meter dash in 53.46.

He also placed fourth in the 1600-meter run and fifth in the long jump. Wilcoxen finished second in the long jump and pole vault and fourth in the 200-meter dash.

During the finals of 1998, the longest in memory (lasting more than 10 hours), two area coaches, Marty Spencer of St. Ignace and Joe Baker of Pickford, used diplomacy to convince the officials to continue with the pole vault event after weather conditions postponed it many times during the day.

The pole vault was completed, but not until 8:30 p.m., which made the event last more than 10 hours. For the athletes and teams, however, the wait was worth the long stay.

Last year, Paul Davis of St. Ignace won four events, the 100- meter dash in 11.27, the 400-meter dash in 52.82, the 200-meter dash in 22.70, and he anchored the 800- meter relay team of Zach Pierson, Jesse Becker, and Derrick Clark to a time of 1:34.06.

Through the last 17 years, many athletes made their mark on the Upper Peninsula Finals. Listed are some of the individuals and teams. This a small number of stand-out athletes who have performed at the U.P. Finals.

Teams:

The Pickford Panthers have won 45 championships combined (boys and girls) and have earned five runner-up finishes.

St. Ignace has five titles and 13 second place finishes, while Cedarville has a total of five crowns and two runner-up finishes. Rudyard has collected seven titles and finished second twice, Engadine has one crown and three runner-up honors, and DeTour placed second 11 times.

The following stand-out athletes have performed at the U.P. Finals over the past few years:

Pickford

Sisters Mandy and Ashley Bishop and Gabrielle and Rachel Morrison, Julie Wallis, Veronica Gough, Jessie Ledy, Caitlin Mortinsen, and brothers Randy and Ryan Fountain, brother and sister Kyle and Jill Rairigh, and Carl Morrison.

St. Ignace

Sister and brothers Helena, Holly, Curtis, and David Brown, Eryn Mercer, Katie Ruegg, Aaron Litzner, Nick Adams, Anna Pemble, Kelsey Cryderman, sister and brother Marielle and Mario Calcaterra, Katie Spencer, Aaron Gutchess, Rachelle Robinson, Randi Johnson, Tyling Simmons, sisters and brother Marion, Krista, and Jim Clement, Dennis Savard, Teresa Binger, Dan Everson, Darcy Ledy, Karolyn Getzen, and Micaela Kelso.

Cedarville

David Sanderson, sisters Kara and Lindsey Scherer, brothers and sister Jason, Jordan, and Ashley Sweeney, brother and sister Nick and Laura Schaedig, sisters Ann and Susan Trevarrow, Brianna Huff, Ryan Duman, Emily Feldhake.

Engadine

Brothers Nick and Stefen Albright, Justin and Jordan Wilcoxen, Elicia Derusha. Grayson Hood, John Troyer, Lauren MacArthur, Paul Kleeman, Brad and Aaron Butkovich, Amanda Mast, Tiffany Adams, and Shauni Rutledge.

Rudyard

Brent Malaski, Chris Suggitt, Isiah Otten, Ally Markstrom, Tom Lawlor, Brenda Burby.