Firebirds host first-ever cross country event

ROSCOMMON – Finally, the Kirtland Community College mens and womens cross country teams can say they ran on the “home turf” after hosting the first-ever Firebirds Invitational on Friday, Sept. 25.

Kirtland hosted the mens and womens teams from Michigan Community College Athletic Association rival Macomb Community College for the 5K and 7K races, respectively. For organizers, the event allowed runners to test the new course just off F-97, across from the college’s Student Center.

“The comments from the coaches and runners were very favorable,” said Kirtland athletic director Doug Ryckman. “That was nice to hear.

“Now, we can build on this and look forward to inviting more of our rivals to take place in what is sure to be a growing event for the college and our athletic program,” he added.

Lady Firebirds coach Samara Sabin seemed equally pleased.

“The girls loved running in the woods,” Sabin said. “Since we were on our home turf, we could take advantage of that.”

Macomb’s Carissa Hudson (Romeo) won the first annual womens race by crossing the finish line in 20 minutes, 25 seconds. As she’s done all season, freshman Noelle Mester (Grayling) was the top runner for Kirtland, completing the 5K event in 21:08, good for third overall.

“I’m very proud of this team,” Sabin said after the race. “I’m so excited, because five of the seven set new personal records today.”

Other runners competing last Friday for the Lady Firebirds included: freshman Christina Leinmuller (Germany; 7th, 23:13), sophomore Heather Villarreal (Alger/Ogemaw Heights; 9th, 24:51), sophomore Jo’ell Cruse (Indian River; 10th, 26:10), freshman Hailey McMahon (Grayling; 11th, 26:40), Aleigh Kappen (Cass City; 12th, 28:40) and Renee Wojdan (Frederic; 14th, 33:54).

“The goal for them is to beat their old times each time they run,” Sabin added. “This is a confidence builder for them.”

The excitement over the inaugural Firebirds Invitational continued to grow during the longer mens race, as the course included a 1,000-meter section where the runners competed in full view of their coaches, friends and family members.

“It was exciting,” said Firebirds coach Don Haskin Jr. “It worked out perfect.”

Again, a Macomb runner took first place, as Joey Burelle finished in 21:15. But Firebird freshman Emanuel Ortega (Saginaw Swan Valley) wasn’t far behind, earning second-place honors with a time of 21:33.

And sophomore Peter Churchill (Mancelona) earned team honors for Kirtland with his 10th-place finish in 22:54.

“I was ecstatic with my kids’ performances,” Haskin said. “Emanuel and Peter just ran incredible races.”

Runners for Kirtland in the mens race also included: freshman Kris Kalbfleisch (Hale; 12th, 23:44), sophomore Tim LeForce (West Branch/Ogemaw Heights; 13th, 23:52), sophomore Chase Schepke (Roscommon; 14th, 24:13), sophomore Mike Morris (West Branch/Ogemaw Heights; 15th, 25:15) and freshman Andy St. Clair (Onaway; 17th, 25:27).

“The times were fast,” Haskin said. “The course was great. I thought we had a real good team effort and I was very pleased with how the race went.”

For more information on Kirtland athletics, visit online at firebirds.kirtland.edu or call 989-275-5000, extension 385.