Track: Pioneer foursome records second fastest time in the country at Hillsdale College

Second fastest in the country – has an impressive ring to it.

Four Pioneer High School track and field runners participated in the 2020 Charger Elite – Sprints Showcase part of the Michigan Indoor Track Series (MITS) on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Hillsdale College. And they crossed the finish line in first place with the second fastest time in the country so far this season.

The runners (known as the “Purple” team) were Pioneer sophomore Sarah Forsyth, junior Justice Jackson, sophomore Cookie Baugh and senior Zofia Dudek (Stanford). They ran a time of 12:02.41 in the Distance Medley Relay (1200-400-800-1600).

The leading time in the country so far this year is 11:59.03 by a team from Saratoga Springs, NY.

The Purple B team was second in 12:59.93, well ahead of third-place finisher Spirit of Pre (13:26.11) at the Hillsdale meet.

Pioneer High School’s school record is 11:47.96, set in 2017 by Jacalyn Overdier, Tiffany Cernej-Garcia, Alice Hill and Anne Forsyth.

“I think this year’s team has a real good chance at the record,” says Pioneer Coach Nancy Boudreau.  “Time will tell.”

The track and field season-opening EMU Huron Relays is March 21.