News File Photo Alpena’s Joseph Sheridan and Mio’s Carter Long race neck-and-neck during the boys 110 hurdles at the 2023 Alpena News Track and Field Honor Roll Invitational at Thunder Bay Junior High School. Sheridan won, crossing the line in 16.46 seconds. Long finished second in 16.98 seconds.

ALPENA — On Wednesday, athletes from all over Northeast Michigan will gather to participate in the 20th annual Alpena News Track and Field Honor Roll Invitational at 4 p.m. at Thunder Bay Junior High School, 3500 S. 3rd Ave.

As most school track and field teams wrap up their competitive season, The News’s meet features a unique aspect as it blends different skill levels and highlights top athletes in the area.

“This is a great opportunity for kids to compete against other kids they don’t normally get the chance to because they might not be in the same conference,” News Publisher Justin Hinkley said. “We’re bringing schools together who don’t see each other to really find out who the area’s top athletes are.”

This year’s invitational is a bit different from previous years, with changes made in hopes of seeing better athlete engagement and to make things easier for the schools.

“We previously did the top 12 athletes could come and participate in the events, and, now, it is essentially three or four athletes per event,” Hinkley said. “This gives the schools more flexibility to bring out different kids.”

Also different this year is the day on which the event will be held.

In past years, the invitational was held the day after Memorial Day, while, this year, it happens the Wednesday following Memorial Day. That again offers more flexibility to the schools and students who are participating in state competitions and avoids conflicting dates.

Last year, two new records were set, including Kelsey Hansen from Alcona High School taking the girls’ discus record with 123-3 ½ and Alpena taking the boys’ 400 relay record with 44.89. The 2023 Female and Male Athlete of the Year awards went to Kelsey Hansen of Alcona and John Korowski of Alpena.

All community members are welcome to spectate and watch as local athletes work to break records and PRs.

ALPENA NEWS HONOR ROLL MEET RECORDS

GIRLS

Shot Put — Faith Weide, Alpena, 40-9 1/2 (2018)

Discus — Kelsey Hansen, Alcona, 123-3 1/2 (2023)

Pole Vault — Karli Myers, Alpena, 9-9 (2018)

Long Jump — Ashley Hunault, Alpena, 17-11 (2005)

High Jump — Korynn Hincka, Posen, 5-4 (2012)

100 Hurdles — Christina Kollien, Alpena, 14.89 (2012)

300 Hurdles — Paige Stepanski, Alpena, 47.48 (2010)

100 Dash — Ashley Hunault, Alpena, 12.6 (2006)

200 Dash — Emily McAnsh, Alpena, 26.60 (2012)

400 Dash — Emily McAnsh, Alpena, 58.60 (2012)

800 Run — Taylor Stepanski, Alpena, 2:21 (2012)

1,600 Run — Madi Szymanski, Alpena, 5:18.23 (2021)

3,200 Run — Maddy Boyd, Alpena, 11:54.20 (2019)

400 Relay — Fairview, 53.12 (2017)

800 Relay — Fairview, 1:53.79 (2005)

1,600 Relay — Alpena, 4:19.7 (2012)

3,200 Relay — Alpena, 10:10.22 (2013)

BOYS

Shot Put — Eli Winter, Alpena, 53-0 (2019)

Discus — Eli Winter, Alpena, 168-0 (2019)

Pole Vault — Gabe Bullis, Alpena, 15-3 (2019)

Long Jump — Alex Eisenheimer, Alpena, 21-3 1/4 (2008)

High Jump — Josh Eising Fairview, 6-3 (2012)

100 Hurdles — Sean Berryman, Alpena, 15.14 (2011)

300 Hurdles — Darren Hart, Alcona, 40.21 (2005)

100 Dash — Tanner Klein, Hale, 11.06 (2018)

200 Dash — Patrick Harris, Hale, 22.48 (2018)

400 Dash — Cooper Bright, Alpena, 49.84 (2022)

800 Run — Jared LaBarge, Alpena, 1:58.65 (2012)

1,600 Run — Josh Smith, Alpena, 4:20.88 (2018)

3,200 Run — Josh Smith, Alpena, 9:55.34 (2017)

400 Relay — Alpena, 44.89 (2023)

800 Relay — Alpena, 1:33.35 (2014)

1,600 Relay — Alpena, 3:32 (2013)

3,200 Relay — Alpena, 8:20.93 (2017)