Michigan Youth Impress at Hershey's Track and Field North American Finals

On August 1, 2009, six Michigan youth athletes competed in the Hershey's Track and Field North American Finals in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Each athlete enjoyed a weekend of fun-filled activities (including a tour of the Hershey's factory and amusement park) before focusing in on race day competitions. 

It had been a long yet rewarding road for the athletes. Each North American finalist first competed in a local Hershey's Track and Field event, hosted by municipal Park and Recreation departments throughout Michigan. After taking top honors at the local event, each of the six national contenders then went on to win their events at the Hershey's Track and Field State Finals, hosted by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association. But a first place finish does not guarentee athletes a spot at the North American Finals. Finishing times (and in some case distances) of each first-place finisher at the State event were compared with regional results from seven Midwestern states and Ontario to determine who would represent the Great Lakes Region on August 1.

In the end, six athletes were chosen from Michigan to represent Region 1 (the Great Lakes Region). Read on to see how each athlete placed and view action photos taken at the State Finals. Check back soon for images from the North American Finals, as well as news coverage of the athletes accomplishments.

To view official event results, times and distances from the Hershey's North American Finals, click here.

To view video highlights of the Hershey's Track and Field North American Finals weekend, click here.

To view action photos taken at the Hershey's State Finals by Hoffman Photography, click here. To view awards photos, click here.

 The 2009 Michigan Hershey's Track and Field North American Finalists

Paige Anderson, 14, of Cassopolis Girls 13-14 Standing Long Jump First at State Finals, Seventh at N. American Finals	Sergeo Brown (green jersey), 14, of Marshall Boys 13-14 100-meter Dash First at State Finals, Seventh at N. American Finals
Nolan Fugate (navy jersey), 9, of Holland Boys 9-10 50-meter Dash First at State Finals, Fourth at N. American Finals	Robert Mitchell (navy jersey), 9, of Grand Blanc Boys 9-10 100-meter Dash First Place at State and at N. American Finals
Alexa Spaanstra, 9, of Brighton Girls 9-10 200-meter Dash First at State Finals, Third at North American Finals	Kelly West, 9, of Howell Girls 9-10 Softball Throw First at State Finals, Eighth at North American Finals