Colby Curtis

Contributing Writer

The Division III Great Lakes Regional Championships brought triumph and notable performances for the Fighting Scots cross country teams this past Saturday. Among the standout runners were Drew Robertson ’25, Will Callender ’25 and Dylan Kretchmar ’25, all of whom earned the prestigious title of All-Regional runners.

In the men’s category, Callender showcased his prowess by claiming 21st place, clocking an impressive 24:31.33. This remarkable feat not only secured him All-Region recognition but also highlighted significant improvement from the previous year. Callender’s dedication is evident in his progression, as he bested his 2022 30th place performance of 25:00.70.

Robertson closely trailed behind Callender, securing the 22nd position with a commendable time of 24:31.79. Like his teammate, Robertson grew from last year’s performance to achieve an All-Region finish.

Eric Johnson ’25 and Ben Nichols ’25 further contributed to the team’s success, claiming 105th and 117th positions, respectively. Johnson clocked in at 25:51.30, while Nichols completed the race in 27:45.66, showcasing their commitment and grit to the team’s performance.

Turning the spotlight to the women’s team, Kretchmar shone brightly, securing 27th place with a remarkable time of 21:36.60. Kretchmar’s achievement holds historical significance, as she became the first female All-Region runner for the Fighting Scots since 2019. Athena Tharenos ’24, displaying her competitive integrity, claimed the 100th position with a time of 23:09.90.

As the dust settled on the competition, John Carroll University emerged victorious on the men’s side, claiming the first-place spot. Meanwhile, Calvin College showcased their talent on the women’s side, edging past DePauw University to secure the championship.

The men ended up in 17th of 40th place on the day with major contributions from the entire team. The women finished 20th of 40th with the help of runners like Kretchmar, Tharenos and Jessie Breth ’25. 

Overall, the Fighting Scots’ performance at the Great Lakes Regional Championships was nothing short of exceptional. The determination and improvement displayed by runners like Callender, Robertson and Kretchmar underscore the team’s commitment to excellence. With their eyes set on future victories, the Fighting Scots continue to carve their mark in the competitive realm of Division III cross country.