PENTWATER – The Falcons track and field team are returning 16 starters this season and look to be a strong team again in 2025.
They return Logan Fatura and Chase Maguire-VanGillis, who went to the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s state finals in 2024 in the 400-meter relay.
Falcons Head Coach Erika Fatura said, “Chase was only an eighth grader, so I am hoping the experience will make them hungry to get back there again this year.”
In addition, Erika said, Kaleb Brown and Trey Johnson are returning following Pentwater’s boys basketball’s season, where they both figured prominently in that team’s success.
“They are both hard-working athletes and with this being their final high school athletic season, they have some big goals!” Erika said.
Another cross country runner who is also on the track and field team is Bailey Case, who Fatura said had a great season last fall and said that she’s really excited to see Case shine in the distance events.
Fatura said that another returnee, Lauren Davis, has struggled with injuries the past two seasons.
Fatura said she hopes Davis can stay healthy and reach her full potential.
In addition, the newcomers to the team are Matilde Pacifico, Belle Powers, Tyler Zimmerman and Ben Roberson.
“Sadly, our varsity baseball team just folded recently so it’s possible we will still add a few more athletes,” Erika said.
“Matilde is from Italy and will be running distance for us,” Erika said. “Belle Powers is a senior who has not run track since she was in middle school.”
Erika said, “I am excited to have her try out various events to see what she likes.”
Fatura also said that both Zimmer and Roberson are on the cross country team, which means that they will be running in distance events.
Graduating from the team after last season include Abe VanDunien, who is now running both track and field and cross country for Calvin University in Grand Rapids.
He broke three school records and made all-state in the 800 and 1600-meter races.
Another was Mitchel Daniels, who qualified for state in both the 3,200 and 400-meter relay.
Ireland Breitner is now racing for Alma College in both cross country and track and field.
The other seniors who graduated were Mackenna Hasil (now serving in the Army), Abby Hughes and Eliana Mandarano.
“There’s no doubt that we will miss their talent and leadership,” Erika said.
The Falcons will face some stiff opposition this season, as Erika said, from Mason County Eastern, Mesick and Marion.
“They always have full rosters and many talented kids who dominate in various events,” Erika said.
“I’m not sure how we will perform in comparison,” Erika said. “With small schools, one or two athletes can make a huge difference.”
Erika said, “Having senior Kaleb Brown back this year can potentially make a 40-point swing from last year.”
“I am looking forward to our first jamboree and definitely counting the Falcons out of the West Michigan D Conference championship race.