West Ottawa races to fastest 4x100 relay in Michigan state history at MITCA finals

ZEELAND - The MITCA team state finals is a meet about depth as well as speed.

Scored like a dual meet, it is a chance to show which team is the best top to bottom.

But speed was what was talked about throughout the meet as the West Ottawa boys 4x100-meter relay ran the fastest time in state history.

Charlie Sanders, Andrew Spilotro, Ruben Esparza and Desmond Chapa won the race in 41.11, a half-second drop from their time at regionals last week.

"That was their goal this season, but to drop a half second in a week is pretty incredible," West Ottawa coach Daniel Blake said.

Chapa won the 100 meters in 11.09, going 1-2 with Spilotro (11.12). Chapa also took second in the 200 (21.86) and Spilotro was third (22.19).

But it was the relay everyone was talking about.

"I knew I was gone (when I got the baton)," Chapa said. "I knew we were going fast. Everyone is a little nervous before getting the baton, but once I got it, it was eyes straight for the finish line. I knew the time was going to be something good when I crossed, but I couldn't believe it.

"It means a lot. I feel like representing our community is really important. It sets the path of success for the younger runners. I know we are going to run faster next week (at state finals)."

West Ottawa finished sixth (820) in the 12-team Division 1 event. Rockford won with 1,172 ahead of Zeeland West (1,121.5). Zeeland East was 12th (697).

West Ottawa's Craig Traylor Jr. took fifth in the 300 hurdles (41.19).

Zeeland West's Micah Henry took second in the 400 (49.47). Keaton Hendricks took second in the 300 hurdles (39.13) and fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.06).

Brandon Holman, Nick Lloyd, Wyatt Boersen and Henry took third in the 4x400 (3:27.82). Carson Arnould was third in the discus (157-1). Merritt Alderink was fifth in the shot put (46-8). Andrew Kraft was third in the high jump (6-2) just ahead of Orion Yant (6-2) on tries. Ethan Faucher was third in the pole vault (13-6). Trey Sloothaak took third in the long jump (21-9 3/4) and Hendricks was fourth (21-7 1/2).

Zeeland East's Garrett Weeden won the shot put (57 feet, 3 inches) and Parker Williams was third (52.3 1/2). Weeden won the discus (166-7) and Williams was fifth (150-8). Dylan Killilea took third in the 300 hurdles (40.84).

In the girls meet, Zeeland East was third (1,029.5) behind East Kentwood (1,169.5) and Rockfoord (1,117). West Ottawa was fourth (82). Zeeland West was seventh (844.5).

Emma Drnek took fifth in the 800 (2:19.16), third in the 1,600 (5:07.09) and fourth in the 3,200 (11:22.86).

Zeeland East's Meredith Cook was third in the 400 (1:00.47). Allison Kuzma was fourth in the 1,600 (5:10.77) and fifth in the 3,200 (11:29.72). Anna Tilden took second in the discus (134-4) and fifth in the shot put (36-1). Mirra Fenlon was third in the long jump (17-1).

West Ottawa's Emma Gunnett won the 400 meters (59.20) then teamed with Collette Wierks, Ella Wierks and Addie Birkholz to win the 4x400 in a school-record 3:57.52.

Gunnett, the Wierks sisters and Helen Sachs won the 4x800 (9:10.70).

Sachs (2:16.65) and Ella Wierks (2:17.61) went 3-4 in the 800. Sachs won the 1,600 (4:55.74) and 3,200 (10:45.90). Collette Wierks took second in the 300 hurdles (46.60). Julia Frampton (12.90) and Allinna Teav (12.98) went 3-4 in the 100 meters.

Zeeland West's Amaya Brott took fifth in the 300 hurdles (48.23). Isabel Assink was fourth in the shot put (36-10).

Division 2

Hamilton finished third in the Division 2 MITCA boys finals with 1,507.5 points. Battle Creek Harper Creek won with 1,590, just ahead of Parma Western (1,588). Holland Christian finished 12th with 997.5.

Hamilton's Ben Boehm took third in the 100 meters (10.89) and 200 (21.89). Abatu Dykstra was fourth in the 800 (1:56.97). Hudsen Hulst took fourth in the 110 hurdles (15.60).

Dykstra, Gabe Schrotenboer, Jeren Bronkhorst and Josh Langeland took second in the 4x400 (3:28.02).

Holland Christian's Will Engbers took third in the 3,200 (9:39.27). Brody DeKruyter took fourth in the 400 (50.96). Nathan Bengelink was fourth in the pole vault (11-9). Isaiah Meyaard took fifth in the long jump (20-6 1/2).

Holland Christian was 12th in the girls meet with 1,045 points. Frankenmuth won the meet with 1,582.5.

Chloe Chesser took second in the long jump (16-10 3/4), third in the 100 (12.91) and fifth in the 200 (26.89). Ellery Lampen was fifth in the 3,200 (11:55.36). Hannah Klamer took third in the pole vault (9-3). Adelyn Halma was third in the long jump (16-7 1/4).

Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: West Ottawa races to fastest 4x100 relay in Michigan state history