Boys cross country runners to watch in the Blue Water Area this season

All those miles of running will pay off soon enough. But they'll also be put to the test come Aug. 16, when the 2023 MHSAA boys cross country season begins.

Here are some local runners to watch for this year, listed alphabetically.

Dylan Distelrath, St. Clair, senior

In 2022, the Saints reached the Division 2 state finals for the 23rd consecutive season. Dylan Distelrath has every intent on keeping the streak alive.

"He wants to win," St. Clair coach Paul Schneider said. "He's got the determination, the hard work and the leadership skills and is going to be a very instrumental part of our team."

As a junior last year, Distelrath set a personal record with a time of 16:47.4 on Sept. 23, 2022.

"I'd like to see him (be an All-State runner)," Schneider said. "That's a goal of mine for him."

Blake Ferguson, Yale, senior

Blake Ferguson was tremendous during his junior season. He broke the 17-minute mark in nine of his 13 races (including the last seven) and qualified for the Division 2 state finals.

"He loves running," Yale coach Jared Shutko said. "That's his passion. He's dedicated and is a workhorse for sure."

Ferguson set a personal record with a time of 16.11.4 on Oct. 18, 2022. But the senior is far from satisfied.

"I think he wants to be shooting for the school record this year," Shutko said. "I know one of his biggest goals is to break the 16-minute mark this year and to definitely try to make (an All-State team) if possible."

With Ferguson also serving as a team captain, Shutko believes the Bulldogs will benefit from his leadership.

"He's just a great mentor for our freshmen and our sophomores," Shutko said. "He's almost like having an extra coach on the team, because he knows so much about the sport and studies it."

Trent Glass, Marysville, senior

Though small in numbers, the Vikings are capable of big things with standouts like Trent Glass.

"Trent is leading our team this season as senior captain," Marysville coach Sarah St. Coeur said in an email. "He is dedicated and focused in is training and is coming off a great track season."

As a junior, Glass notched a personal record with a time of 18:04.9 on Oct. 1, 2022.

"Trent’s goal-oriented focus will help him be successful this season," St. Coeur said.

Luke Nawrocki, Armada, senior

The Tigers are much younger than last year's team, which made it all the way to the Division 2 state finals. But they still have a proven veteran in Luke Nawrocki.

"He works real hard," Armada coach Rob Blume said. "He's always worked real hard and he runs intelligently."

Nawrocki set a personal record during a Division 2 regional last season with a time of 18.11.0.

"I'd like to see him hit the low 17s," Blume said. "He could eke out one of those individual (state) qualifier spots."

Alex Robertson, Marine City, senior

Good luck at throwing Alex Robertson off his game. It just doesn't happen.

"He's pretty good at not getting in his own head," Marine City coach Tricia Wiley said. "He goes out there and just does his job. He's a good teammate, especially with his brother. They work really well as a team. And they also bring along the other kids whenever they can. They're good at working together."

Robertson's twin brother, Jayden, is also a senior on the team.

Alex qualified for the Division 2 state finals with regional finish of 17:37.4 in last year's regional. That time was also a personal record.

"I'd love to see him go back to states again this year," Wiley said. "He was able to make it last year. Hopefully, we can all go as a team. Rather than just one (athlete). But I really think he has a good chance of doing that."

Jayden Robertson, Marine City, senior

Speaking of Jayden Robertson, he's quite the runner himself.

"He's willing to put in the work," Marine City coach Tricia Wiley said. "He just handles the conditions well. It doesn't matter if it's hot or what the weather is or anything like that. He can handle himself pretty well."

While Roberton didn't qualify for the state finals last year, he did break the 19-minute mark in each of his last six races. That stretch included a season-record finish of 18:09.9 in a Division 2 regional.

"I would like to see him continue to run as well as he has in the past," Wiley said. "And to get on the podium more this year. Hopefully, he can go to states with his brother."

Luke VanderHeuvel, Port Huron Northern, senior

Now back at full strength, Luke VanderHuevel is ready to help lead Port Huron Northern.

"His commitment and energy that he brings every day (make him successful)," Northern coach Paul Nevado said. "That's the most important thing. He's pretty motivated too. He missed quite a bit of the season last year due to injury. So, I think he's motivated to come out this year and show everybody what he's got."

Last season, VanderHuevel qualified for the Division 1 state finals and set a personal record with a regional finish of 16:37.3. The Huskies hope he can improve on that mark this fall.

"One of the things I really appreciate Luke is his commitment to being a better runner," Nevado said. "Not just improving his workout times, but developing this understanding of why we're doing things. He asks a lot of questions — things that, as a coach, keep me on my toes. He's just a gritty, gritty athlete."

Isaac Zammit, Cardinal Mooney, senior

The Cardinals made history in 2022 and clinched their first-ever regional championship.

If the team wants to do it again, Isaac Zammit must put his experience to use.

"I've seen a lot more growth, discipline and dedication (from him)," said Cardinal Mooney coach Matt Zammit, who is also Isaac's dad. "He's come into his own."

Isaac set a personal record during a Division 4 regional last year with a time of 18.06.8.

"I'd like to see him hit some more (personal records)," Matt Zammit said. "He's going to be up there in the one or two position running (along fellow senior with Tyler Lenn). I want to see him keep up his dedication and his training."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Boys cross country runners to watch in the Blue Water Area this season