Hornets Capture First SEC Jamboree

The Saline Hornets opened their Southeastern Conference season by edging Dexter by six points in Tuesday’s jamboree at Willow Metropark.

Nick Renberg was the fastest runner for the Hornets. He finished the race in 16:19, just a second behind winner Bryce Bradley, of Chelsea. Finishing right behind Renberg was Spencer Bishop, who took third in 16:37.6. Grant Praschan (7^th, 16:51) and Logan Wetzel (16:56) also placed in the top 10.

Dylan Jennings accounted for the rest of the Hornets’ scoring. He placed 17^th in 17:20, coming in ahead of teammates Anthony Lamus and Andrew Kitto.

Saline finished with 38 points, six better than Dexter's 44. Bedford (82), Pioneer (89) and Chelsea (158) rounded out the top five.

Coach Carl Spina said his team raced better Saturday at Bath, where the team took first, than it did Tuesday at Willow Metropark. Spina said the team went at the race differently.

“We took some risks and changed how we've been racing, focusing more on the middle mile instead of the first and last miles. It was not their best race, but they were able practice what they needed to practice and still get the win. And with Dexter in the race, I didn't really think we could do that,” Spina said. “They are a very strong program and you need to bring your "A-game" to beat them, so pulling out the win was a nice surprise.”

Spina noted the performance by Kitto, who placed in Saline’s top seven for the first time.

“The kid’s got some talent and he's done a nice job with his training this spring. He's slowly learning how to put it all together in a race,” Spina said.

Despite winning, the team wasn’t at its best.

“I'm not sure if it was the heat or that it was their first race after a full day of school, but you could see that they looked worn,” Spina said. “We will have to keep an eye on those guys these next few days to make sure that they are ready for Friday's test at Michigan State University.”

The Hornets are heading to East Lansing with momentum.

“I think the boys are figuring out just how good they are. They know how good the conference is. They know that winning the first Jamboree means something. They have built so much momentum going into Friday's race and they have put themselves in a good position,” Spina said.

The full results are posted at A2 Race Management.