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Boyne City, Charlevoix cross country programs come together for team camp

drew kochanny, the petoskey news-review
·4 min read

BOYNE CITY — When it comes to rivalries around Northern Michigan, it’s tough to beat Boyne City vs. Charlevoix.

It doesn’t matter if it’s on the football field, basketball court, cross country course or rock-paper-scissors, the Ramblers and Rayders love their Lake Charlevoix bragging rights and beating the other.

But, that doesn’t mean they don’t respect one another.

That was certainly evident recently when the cross country programs from both Boyne City and Charlevoix, along with Cheboygan and Inland Lakes, got together for a four-day team camp at Park of the Pines in Boyne City.

Members of the Boyne City, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Inland Lakes cross country teams gather for a group shot during team camp held at Park of the Pines in Boyne City recently, a four-day bonding experience and training session leading into the 2023 season.
Members of the Boyne City, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Inland Lakes cross country teams gather for a group shot during team camp held at Park of the Pines in Boyne City recently, a four-day bonding experience and training session leading into the 2023 season.

A chance to get to know teammates better and the athletes they’ll be competing against – removing that rival curtain just a bit – was a hit to say the least.

"I thought camp was a really good opportunity to meet and become friends with other runners we will be competing against this season,” Boyne City sophomore Delaney Little said. “It was also great to bond with our teammates.”

A total of around 50 kids took part in the camp, which included workouts, distance runs and interval training. The athletes ran the trails of Avalanche Mountain in Boyne City and into downtown.

Campers join each other around the fire for some late night marshmallows and s'mores at Park of the Pines in Boyne City recently.
Campers join each other around the fire for some late night marshmallows and s'mores at Park of the Pines in Boyne City recently.

It wasn't all sweating and workouts leading up to the season, however.

There was also team-bonding periods, campfires, a glow stick ultimate frisbee competition and athletes just generally getting to know the other side.

"I loved how other teams were there, like I know that we are going to compete with each other, but just getting to know them was so much fun,” said Olivia Szabo-Hance, a freshman at Boyne City. “Also, getting to know my own teammates was exciting. It took me a while to get comfortable, but they were so welcoming.”

For Boyne City coach Chelsey Herrmann, the four days couldn’t have gone any better from a bonding standpoint. As far as getting ready for a season goes, there was no greater way to lay some tracks.

Campers come together for some cards during a four-day team camp period recently at Park of the Pines in Boyne City.
Campers come together for some cards during a four-day team camp period recently at Park of the Pines in Boyne City.

"It was such a rewarding experience to see athletes build relationships within their team and with others while working hard to improve the physical and mental sides of cross country,” said Herrmann. “Our team left camp feeling connected and excited to start competition.”

Along with all the actives and training, the teams also got to take in a special Q&A session with former Michigan State University director of track and field and cross country, Walt Drenth.

Drenth spent more than 30 years at the collegiate level before retiring in 2020. He helped produce 180 NCAA All-Americans and was a six-time Big Ten Coach of the Year.

With that kind of highlight to go with everything else, it’s an experience Boyne City junior Josh Wormell won’t forget.

"XC camp was one of the best times I've ever had involving an extracurricular sport,” said Wormell. “I had so much fun meeting new people from other teams and the valuable bonding time with my own team was a completely unforgettable experience I will remember for the rest of my life."

Cross country campers listen to former Michigan State University track and cross country coach Walt Drenth, while writing their season goals.
Cross country campers listen to former Michigan State University track and cross country coach Walt Drenth, while writing their season goals.

With big goals in her final season with Charlevoix, Rayder senior Katie Rohrer echoed those same feelings.

"I love going to camp every year to set goals, connect with all of my teammates, and get the opportunity to run with people from other schools,” said Rohrer. “We are very fortunate to get this experience and it's a great way to start off the season. And with the teams we have this year many memories were made and relationships were built.”

The 2023 season opened for many area cross country teams over the weekend with the annual Charlevoix hosted Ryan Shay Relay, where the Rayders and Ramblers were back to being rivals again.

But, the respect they have for each other grew thanks to those four days at camp. Charlevoix volunteer coach Matt Peterson certainly thinks so.

“To have four different schools' cross country teams collaborating to help one another be their best goes to the special nature of this sport,” said Peterson. “You absolutely can be fierce competitors on the playing field and still respect and value one another.”

Contact Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny

Members of the Boyne City, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Inland Lakes cross country teams gather at the top of Avalanche Mountain in Boyne City, overlooking the lake that separates the rival Ramblers and Rayders.
Members of the Boyne City, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Inland Lakes cross country teams gather at the top of Avalanche Mountain in Boyne City, overlooking the lake that separates the rival Ramblers and Rayders.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Boyne City, Charlevoix cross country programs come together for team camp