Courtesy Photo The Alpena High School cross country teams are ready for a promising season, with a mix of returning competitors and new talent.

ALPENA — The Alpena High School cross country teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season, with a mix of seasoned returners and fresh talent set to compete. Both the boys and girls squads open their season on Saturday at the highly competitive Benzie Pete Moss Invitational at Benzie Central High School.

Head coach Joe Donajkowski is optimistic about the year ahead, pointing to a summer of consistent training and strong performances at cross country camp as reasons to be encouraged.

“Both teams are relatively young, but very talented,” Donajkowski said. “Based on early season workouts and some outstanding results at camp, they should do very well this season.”

The Wildcats’ boys roster is stacked with returners who bring valuable experience. Senior Braeden Mathis will lead a group that includes juniors Logan Ruczynski, Milo Dahleen, and Joel Kaiser, and sophomores Alexander Allen, John Brege, Hendrix McKay, Logan Szumila, and Brendan Werth.

“All of the returning boys ran track in the spring and put in a good summer of training,” Donajkowski noted.

New faces will also play a key role. Sophomore Matthew Kowalski and freshmen Otto Dahleen, Gabe Donakowski, Wyatt Dziesinski, and Landon Roznowski round out a roster that combines experience with promising newcomers.

On the girls’ side, the Wildcats return a solid core led by senior Izzy Szymanski. She is joined by juniors Ava Karsten, Lexi Gembel, and Marian Renard, as well as sophomores Abby Ruczynski, Lila Scott, and Maddie Taylor.

Adding to that depth is a wave of new talent, including juniors Maddie Coffman and Clara Belle Orban, along with freshmen Gracelyn Heath, Abigail Misiak, Amelia Muszynski, and Madison Srebnik.

“The girls bring back strong leadership while adding in some really talented young runners,” Donajkowski said.

The Wildcats will see stiff competition throughout the fall. Highlights on the schedule include the MSU Spartan Invitational on Sept. 12, where Alpena will race among some of the best in the state, and the Big North Championship in Gaylord on Oct. 14. Postseason racing begins Oct. 25 at the MHSAA Regional Meet in Mount Pleasant, with hopes of qualifying for the MHSAA Division 1 Finals in Brooklyn on Nov. 1.

With a blend of experience and youthful energy, both the boys’ and girls’ squads are ready to test themselves against strong fields across Michigan.

“We’re excited to get started,” Donajkowski said. “The kids have worked hard, and I think fans will see some big performances this season.”