The Ionia Boys’ Cross Country team competed for the first time at the 2024 MSU Auto-Owner Sparta Invitational, which took place at Forest Akers East Golf Course. The course was relatively flat with some rolling areas and the weather was humid. A total of 36 teams and 352 boys participated in the race, with our team placing 32nd. Junior Jaxxon Thelen led the team with a time of 19:21.4, finishing in 153rd place. Following closely behind was freshman Liam Thelen, who finished 193rd with a time of 20:12.9. Junior Dalles Bailiff achieved a season-best time of 20:32.3, placing 207th. Sophomore Conner Morrison finished 242nd, Cooper Highlen finished 264th, Xander Towry finished 266th, Gabe Holman finished 312th, Talon Thompson finished 318th, and Tylan Daniel finished 342nd.

The Bulldogs will host the next meet on Tuesday, September 17th, at Ionia High School, starting at 5 pm with the boys' race.