Marion alumni from near and far gathered at the high school on Friday night, where former Eagle track and field stars were recognized for their achievements during the intermission of Marion’s boys’ basketball games.
26 athletes returned to their old gym, with Marion Girls’ Track Coach Greg Mikulich highlighting each of their accomplishments.
Marion senior Harley Bear and junior Braden Prielipp were also honored, and received their new record boards for marks they set last season. Braden Prielipp set a new school record with a high jump of 6’9” at the 2022 state finals. That mark was tied for the highest jump in the state of Michigan – regardless of class – throughout the entire 2022 season. His dad – and former high jump record holder – Jeremy Prielipp presented him with the new record board.
Harley Bear broke a 19 year record in the discus in 2022 with a throw of 118’6”, and was presented with her record board by former record holder Faith Renee Ashby.
Cherokee Hoaglund Hyzer was recognized for her accomplishments in the 1600 meter run and the 3200 meter run, records that have stood since 1992. Cherokee was a state champion in the 3200 meter run in ’92.
Katelyn Michell Gregory was recognized for her records in the 100 meter and 300 meter hurdles – both set in 2007 – along with her record in the 100 meter dash (2004), which she co-holds alongside Becky Keitzman (1977).
Mother-daughter duo Mary Miller England and Erica England Hoffman were in attendance, recognized along with their record holding relay teams. Mary was a part of the 4×400 relay team that ran a 4:14.2 in 1981. She was joined by teammates Carole Joslin Meads, Renee Dorman Lang, and Renee Blackledge in that event. Erica was part of the 4×200 relay team that set a record of 1:48.34 back in 2004.
Twins Candace Vincent Stockton and Cassandra Vincent Barnhardt were in attendance and were honored for multiple record holding performances. Candace set the long jump record at 16’6” in 2006, and – along with Cassandra – was a part of the record holding 400 and 800 meter relay teams.
Cross Country record holder Kylie Sikkema was on hand Friday, where she was recognized for her times in cross country (5k – 19:19.19 in 2006), and her time in the 3200 meter relay. Her sister Kinzie was a part of that 3200 meter relay team that ran a 10:16.1 at that 2015 state finals, along with Anissa Keeler and Anna Furman.
Lillian Swiler received recognition for her record in the girls high jump – she jumped 5’2” at those same 2015 state finals.
Kameron Cooper was honored as a part of multiple record holding relay teams: the 800 meter, 1600 meter, and 3200 meter relays. 3200 meter relay teammates Zach Reed and Kyle Robinson were also in attendance, and Zach was recognized as part of the 400 meter relay team that set the record in 2005, alongside Dan Lee, Kyle Kelley, and Jared Spaulding.
Cade Prielipp (2:00.7 800 meter run) Bill Austin (51.0 400 meter dash), Ethan Russell (40.72 300 meter hurdles), and Elliot Wilson (13’8” pole vault) were all on hand Friday night to be honored for their achievements. Mark Bontekoe (49’2” shot put) was unable to attend the event, but his brother Doug graciously attended in his honor.
Although many record holders were unable to attend Friday night’s celebration, Coach Mikulich – who’s been with Marion Schools for 50 years – recognized all those with their names on the board. Mikulich credited Marion Boys Basketball Coach Dan Michell, Principal and Athletic Director Stacie Sutton, and Boys Track Coach Jason Keeler for organizing the event.
“It was great,” Mikulich said, “It was nice to see the old grads.