Alpena now can boast of being home to national champions.

Four young men from Alpena High School — Jadon Duncan, Drew Seabase, and brothers Josh and Aden Smith — last weekend finished the distance medley relay in the Emerging Elite division in 10:12.38, about 100 meters in front of the second-place team. The record-setting medley took place at the New Balance National Outdoor track and field championships in North Carolina.

The four also set a new Alpena High School record in the 3,200 relay, finishing at 7:51:39.

The accomplishment caps a record-setting season for the four athletes, as well as the entire AHS track program. Also competing in Greensboro last weekend were AHS team members Maddy Boyd, Gabe Bullis, and Eli Winter. Bullis’ finish at the national championship also set a new AHS school record in the pole vault at 16 feet, 1 inch. And, it was a new personal best for him.

AHS track and cross country programs have enjoyed a resurgence in development and success over the past several years. Most recently, it was Mitchell Day who, after enjoying a very successful time in high school, graduated from AHS and went on to Wake Forest University, where he is on the track team. Of the seniors who competed at Nationals this past weekend, both Smith brothers will attend and run at Michigan State University, while Boyd will join the Central Michigan University track team.

We are impressed.

Congratulations to everyone who has played a part in developing the program. And to to Aden, Josh, Drew and Jadon, congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment. The entire community is proud of you.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)