Courtesy Photo Pictured left to right is Hillman junior Ty Muszynski and senior Aedan Tucker.

HILLMAN — Hillman senior Aedan Tucker closed out one of the most accomplished track and field careers in school history with a record-breaking performance at the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 4 State Finals.

Competing against the state’s best athletes, Tucker earned All-State honors in two events, placing third in the long jump and fifth in the high jump. His leap of 21 feet, 10 inches not only secured a podium finish but also established a new Hillman school record in the long jump, surpassing a record that had stood since 2019.

The state finals capped an extraordinary senior season in which Tucker qualified in four events: the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, high jump, and long jump. His ability to excel in both sprinting and jumping made him one of the most versatile athletes in Michigan’s Division 4 ranks.

Throughout the season, Tucker recorded 20 first-place finishes while posting career-best marks of 11.81 seconds in the 100-meter dash, 23.56 in the 200-meter dash, six feet four inches in the high jump, and 21 feet 10 inches in the long jump. His performances helped establish him as one of the top athletes in the state regardless of event specialty.

Tucker dominated regional competition throughout the season, ranking first in the region in the 200-meter dash, high jump, and long jump, while also ranking fourth in the 100-meter dash. His success extended beyond Northern Michigan, as he entered the postseason ranked among the elite athletes in MHSAA Division 4, standing third in the state in both the high jump and long jump.

What makes Tucker’s accomplishments even more remarkable is the path he took to get there. As a freshman, he was primarily a distance runner. Through years of dedication and hard work, he transformed himself into one of the region’s premier sprinters and jumpers while still remaining among Hillman’s all-time leaders in distance events. Along the way, he earned All-Conference honors every year of his high school career. As a senior, he was named First Team All-Conference in the 200-meter dash, high jump, and long jump while also earning Second Team honors in the 100-meter dash.

More than the records and medals, Tucker’s career has been defined by consistency, versatility, and a relentless work ethic. With a school record, 20 victories during his senior season, four state qualifications, two All-State honors, and a lasting impact on the Hillman track and field program, Aedan Tucker leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

Muszynski reaches new heights with all-state season

Hillman junior Ty Muszynski put together an outstanding 2026 track and field season, establishing himself as one of the area’s top high jumpers and earning All-State honors at the MHSAA Division 4 State Finals.

Muszynski cleared a personal-best six feet, three inches during the season. His consistency throughout the spring helped him capture multiple meet victories, including a regional runner-up finish and a second-place finish at the North Star League Championship.

At the Division 4 State Finals, Muszynski capped off his season with a sixth-place finish in the high jump, earning All-State honors and placing among Michigan’s best athletes in his event. With another year of competition still ahead of him, Muszynski has already established himself as one of Hillman’s top jumpers and looks poised for even greater success during his senior season.

While the accomplishments of Tucker and Muszynski are impressive on their own, their impact on the Hillman boys track team is even more remarkable. Together, the two athletes accounted for approximately 74% of the team’s total points during the 2026 season, consistently delivering crucial performances in meets throughout the spring.

Their efforts helped lead the Hillman boys’ team to a 14th-place finish at the MHSAA Division 4 State Finals, competing against 63 teams from across Michigan. Their success is rooted not only in talent and hard work, but also in the strong friendship and camaraderie they have built over years of competing together. The pair constantly pushed one another to improve, celebrated each other’s achievements, and provided support during both victories and setbacks.

They also benefited from the guidance and encouragement of former Hillman standouts, including Billy Kolcan, whose mentorship helped inspire the next generation of Tiger athletes. Their story is a reminder that the strongest teams are built not just on individual success, but on relationships, support, and a shared commitment to excellence.