Goodrich senior Janee Jones and her girls cross country teammates can add another milestone to their list of achievements.
Jones finished first among all women competing in the 5K road race at the Crim Festival of Races in Flint Aug. 28. In the process, she set a new record, becoming the first woman to finish under 18 minutes at the race, finishing with a time of 17:46. She finished 12th overall among all competitors.
The Martians, who are the defending Division 3 state champions, swept the top three positions among all women’s competitiors. Sophomore Kayla O’Mara finished second with a time of 18:47, and sophomore Kelsey Meyers placed third at 19:47.
Other Goodrich competitors at the Crim were Kelsey Krych (20:56), Samantha Minkler (21:48), Mary Haiderer (22:09), and Allison Rariden (22:35).
Goodrich coach John Shaw, who also competed in the race (finishing in 23:42) said he was very proud of Jones? performance.
‘Janee has really blossomed into a nationally ranked runner,? he said. ‘Her times are equal to the best in the country. She had an excellent track season, and it’s carried over. I think it’s just awesome.?
Shaw said the conditions at the race provided a good setting for the team to compete.
‘Road races are generally faster, because they’re on a hard surface, but not that much faster,? he said.
Likewise, Jones, who also ran in the race last year, said road races are a bit easier to run. She also said she is optimistic the girls? success at the Crim can translate into another championship run for the Martians.
‘I think we have a better team than we did last year, because we are more experienced,? she said. ‘We hope to defeat some teams in Division 1.?