On June 23, four members of the Powers Catholic High School relay track team earned fourth place in the nation in the championship division of the 4×200-meter relay at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.Â
The relay team consisted of sophomore Princeton Clack, junior Jayce Beauchamp, junior Hudson Miller and senior Grant Roberts. They finished with a time of 1:27.52, earning All-American Honors and helping their school place three relay teams among
“The goal was to put at least one relay on the podium and earn All-American honors,” Leo Foley Jr., the assistant coach of relay track team, said. “Incredibly, all three relays placed in the top 10.”
The team entered the national meet with six athletes competing across the three relays after earning All-State honors during the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Championships.
In the 4×200 relay they placed fourth, in the 4×100 relay they finished fifth, and in the 4×400 relay they placed seventh in the championship division.
Foley said the fourth-place finish exceeded expectations after the relay entered the competition placed seventh. The other relay teams were seeded outside the top 20 before the competition began.
“When I realized we placed fourth, I was shocked,” Beauchamp said. “I had no doubt we could do it, but it was an unreal feeling.”
Beauchamp said the team’s success was built on consistent practice, particularly focusing on relay handoffs and supporting one another throughout the season. He credited the trust among teammates as one of the biggest reasons for the national finish.
Clack, who led off both the 4×200 and 4×400 relays, said the team entered the national meet motivated to compete against some of the country’s best high school programs.
“Going into it, no one knew who Powers Catholic was,” Clack said. “By the time we left, I think we proved that we were just as good as everyone else and deserved to be there.”
Foley said the athletes’ belief in one another played a significant role throughout the season. He also credited Cheri Zorn and Kenn Domerese, the track and field assistant coaches, along with parents, alumni and supporters, for helping the team reach the national stage.
“Success is not an accident,” Foley said. “The performances at nationals were built one hard practice at a time.”
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