With an undefeated season already in full swing, the boys’ varsity track team continued their MAC White dominance with a solid performance tonight, securing their third consecutive MAC White title. Our Blue Devils claimed third place out of 13 teams in a highly competitive region. Although only varsity athletes competed in this meet, the hard work and support from the entire team played a significant role in their success.
Many South athletes, including captain Conrad Squitieri ’25, who holds the current school record in discus with a throw of 173′ 4”, emphasize the importance of consistency, noting that staying committed to your goals is key throughout the season.
“The big thing, especially in throwing, is patience,” Squitieri said. “It seems pretty counterintuitive, but you gotta have patience to be able to control your body.”
Beyond his individual events—eventually qualifying for states with a distance of 159’ 1”—Squitieri said that the team came into the meet with a clear sense of purpose. After months of practice, smaller meets, and constant preparation, there was no doubt in their minds about what they were working toward.
“Our goal as a team is to win the region today,” Squitieri said. “And winning here definitely helps.”
The road to this point hasn’t been easy. Despite facing multiple challenges this season, the team remained focused and determined. Not only the team, but coaches, including Assistant coach Oronde Branch mentioned the team’s struggles.
“Lots of injuries on the sprinter side,” Branch said. “And we’re actually dealing with one currently.”
The 4×100-meter relay team, Branch said, is a prime example of overcoming adversity. Despite injuries, including one to key sprinter and captain Onction Zape ’25, the team made a strong push, defied the odds, and not only won the event but also earned a spot at states.
“Every single day, every single night, I was working, trying to get my place back,” Zape said. “And even though it was a bummer, I was still here. I cheered the team on, worked on myself, and tried to get better every single day, so I could help the team.”
With immense pride in his athletes, Head Coach Mark Sonnenburg reflected on the team’s resilience, as countless events qualified for the 2025 MHSAA State Finals at East Kentwood high school in two weeks. The 4×800 relay team of Tethyan McKenzie ’25, Grayson Wodzisz ’28, Brody Fitzgibbon ’25, and Jack Martin ’25 won the regional title with a time of 8:21.00.
McKenzie also placed among the region’s best in the 3200-meter run with a time of 10:00.28. Edmund Shall ’25 claimed a regional title in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 41.13. The 4×400 relay team—Jaiden Spratt ’25, Nathan Tyler ’26, Tristan Wininger ’26, and Shall—delivered a strong finish of 3:30.01. While all of these events had been practiced throughout the season, the 4×100 relay team had only recently settled on a planned lineup.
“They were ranked 10th coming in, and Onction Zape was a last-minute addition,” Sonnenburg said. “He and Zach Wilson were injured, but they ran out of their minds tonight.”
