Flint-Area Runners Win Regional Titles
Three teams and four individual runners from the Flint area claimed regional cross country championships over the weekend, advancing to the Michigan state finals.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Running
Three Flint-area teams and four individual runners won regional championships over the weekend. The Michigan high school cross country state finals are scheduled for November 7 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
Why it matters
Regional titles determine which athletes and teams advance to the state finals, the highest level of high school cross country competition in Michigan. The results give statewide attention to several programs across Division 1 through Division 4.
Winning times were 15:00.7 for Gavin Katic of Fenton in Division 1 Region 2 and 18:17.0 for Kayla Shellenbarger of Goodrich in Division 2 Region 15. Full state-finals qualifying fields and final team placings have not yet been released.
The players
Michigan International Speedway
A motorsports track in Brooklyn, Michigan, hosting the state high school cross country finals on November 7.
Gavin Katic
A Fenton High School runner who won the Division 1 Region 2 title with a time of 15:00.7.
The details
Athletes qualified by placing in regional meets held at Delta College, DeWitt High School, Shephard High School, Columbus County Park, Bath Middle School, Webberville Complex, and Wagener County Park. Winners included Broden Ladd of Holly in Division 1 Region 17 and Julia Bambach of Holly in Division 2 Region 17.
Timeline
Weekend before November 2: Regional cross country meets were held across Michigan.
November 7: Michigan high school cross country state finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
Season Trajectory
Regional championships under the MHSAA structure determine which Michigan programs reach the state finals each fall. These results shape the competitive picture for Flint-area programs heading into the November 7 state meet.
Qualifying teams and individuals now advance to the November 7 state finals, which sets the final field for Michigan's top cross country competition. Local fans can track the qualifiers' results at the Brooklyn meet.
The takeaway
Regional results set the state field, so the November 7 finals will determine which Michigan programs are crowned champions this season. Following the qualifiers now offers a clear view of the competition ahead.
What happens next
The Michigan high school cross country state finals will take place on November 7, 2026, at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.
Further reading
Explore more Running coverage for Michigan athletes and events.
