Schwass leads Ludington girls to third-place finish at state finals

Eliza Schwass at a meet earlier this month. Photo by Susan Sniegowski.

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HAMILTON — Ludington High School’s girls track and field team delivered a standout performance Saturday at the Michigan High School Athletic Assocation Division 2 State Finals, earning a third-place team finish behind a dominant showing from freshman distance runner Eliza Schwass.

Schwass captured state championships in both the 800-meter run and 1,600-meter run while adding a runner-up finish in the 3,200 meters. Her three All-State performances helped power the Orioles to one of the program’s top finishes at the state meet.

“Eliza is an amazing freshman and ran strong and confident out there with a tough field,” Ludington coach John Lipa said. “I truly believe she could have won the 3,200 as well if she had another 20 minutes of recovery. It’s tough to go from the 800 to the 3,200 with just one heat of the 200 in between.”

Ludington also received an All-State effort from Cami Brahm, who placed sixth in the high jump. The exchange student from Belgium cleared 5 feet, 2 inches without a miss and nearly cleared 5-4.

“I thought Cami was going to be on the podium going into the meet,” Lipa said. “I just had a hunch. When she cleared 5-2 with no misses, we knew that was huge and she nearly cleared 5-4.”

Greta Kehrer closed out her high school track career with a solid performance in the 100-meter hurdles.

“It was an amazing day to have Eliza earn All-State honors in three events and Cami earn All-State in the high jump,” Lipa said. “I am very proud of these ladies and know we will be in even better shape next year.”

On the boys side, senior Walt Autrey earned All-State honors with a fifth-place finish in his event during his final high school meet.

“Walt had a great day finishing fifth overall to capture All-State honors,” Lipa said. “He had put in the time and it was well deserved for his last high school track meet. I know Coach Kirby is super proud.”

The Orioles’ 3,200-meter relay team of Sam Reisterer, Oliver Kolb, Ray Karboske and Tyler Keillor placed 15th. Karboske also finished 13th in the open 800-meter run.

“Not exactly where we wanted to finish, but it was a solid season,” Lipa said. “We will have a crowded group of middle-distance runners going into next year.”