Balczak takes first in hurdles; Olszewski is second in pole vault

Justin Balczak on podium with top 8 division 2 recipients

The Cedar Springs boys varsity track team went to Houseman Field last Saturday to compete in the MHSAA Division 2 track and field championship. This meet would be a culmination of a very successful season that featured many highs. On a hot, long, and steamy day this team lived up to all the accolades it had received this season by placing 6th with 33 points with some outstanding individual performances.

Connor Mora on podium with top 8 division 2 recipients

Justin Balczak is the 110m high hurdle, MHSAA Division 2 State Champion!  Other athletes that placed in the top at this weekend’s MHSAA State Finals were; AJ Olszewski-2nd in the pole vault; Hank Porter-8th in the long jump; Connor Mora-5th in the 1600m run and 7th in the 3200m run; Justin Balczak-2nd in the 300m hurdles. The record board was rewritten on this day, the new 110m high hurdle record set by Balczak at 14.19, the new 300m low hurdle record set by Justin at 38.25, and a new 800m relay record of 1:31.64, was set by Ron Fisk, Ryan Austin, James Putnam, and Alex Hemry. With his performance, Justin Balczak has also earned a roster spot on the Team Michigan track team for the Midwest Meet of Champions this weekend in Ft. Wayne, IN.  This meet enters the best three athletes from the entire state to compete against teams that represent the states of Ohio and Indiana.  Justin will compete in the 110m and 300m hurdles.  We have never had a male athlete compete at this prestigious event!

With conclusion of the season, the community should be proud of a group of young men that not only performed to an extremely high level, but did it with humility and outstanding sportsmanship. This team was always in good spirits, even during the miserable early season weather, and was just fun to be around. A huge thanks and appreciation to head coach Jeff Myers and his staff for all the hours and hard work into helping the boys fulfill their potential.

Olszewski took second in the state in pole vault.