What a week for Northern Michigan athletics! Cadillac’s tennis team aced their matches and their golfers nearly sank a top-three finish. Meanwhile, Manton’s cross country runners absolutely dominated, proving those Michigan hills are no match. Who else is cheering for our local stars?

Recent athletic endeavors across Northern Michigan have seen local teams deliver impressive performances, with Cadillac and Manton notably showcasing their competitive spirit in tennis, cross country, and golf events.

In a recent tri-match held in Big Rapids, the Cadillac boys’ tennis team demonstrated resilience and growing potential, splitting their non-conference matches. Coach Matt Schaefer expressed pride in his squad’s effort, highlighting their continuous improvement and strategic adjustments needed as they prepare for rigorous conference play, underscoring the dedication to local tennis excellence.

Further north, the Manton boys’ cross country team surged to a triumphant first-place finish at the Dwayne Rau Memorial Invitational, hosted at Ogemaw Heights. Coach Jeff Harding lauded his team’s exceptional performance, particularly praising their mastery over a challenging course known for its formidable “vertical wall of a hill,” a testament to their superior hill-running abilities honed in Northern Michigan athletics.

The Manton girls’ cross country squad also delivered a stellar showing at the same invitational, securing a commendable second place. Standish-Sterling claimed the top spot with 22 points, while Manton tallied 33 points, underscoring their strength and competitive edge in the regional cross country circuit for high school sports.

Shifting to the links, Cadillac’s golf team contested the Petoskey Invitational at BayView Country Club, an event that also marked the inaugural Big North Conference competition of the season. Despite a challenging field, the Vikings showcased promising talent, ultimately securing a respectable fourth-place finish among strong regional contenders in golf.

The golf tournament saw Elk Rapids clinch first place with a team score of 378, closely followed by host Petoskey at 380. Traverse City Central secured third with 390, while Cadillac finished just behind them, posting a score of 391, indicating a tight race among the top teams.

Cadillac golf coach Brandon Bailey conveyed optimism regarding his team’s potential, emphasizing the critical importance of refining their short game and putting during the upcoming week of practice. He noted the team is “very close to turning in some good scores,” suggesting that minor adjustments could yield significant improvements in future competitions for Cadillac Manton sports.

Beyond specific scores, coaches across Cadillac’s athletic programs have consistently praised their athletes’ dedication. One coach commended the defensive efforts of players like Tyler Garland, Dominic Treiber, and Jackson Eggle, highlighting their ability to perform effectively against some of the most dynamic strikers in the Big North, reflecting the depth of talent within the Michigan athletics community.