HOLLAND – When Tanner Smith and Avery Engbers cross the finish line they turn around and wait.
And wait … and wait.
Smith, of Zeeland West, high-fives everyone competitor that goes by after he has won the race, and his teammates follow suit.
“Our coach’s rule it to try to wait for everyone to cross the line, just helping them finish the race,” Smith said. “It really helps our team come together.”
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Engbers, a Holland Christian junior, does the same, cheering on each competitor and helping her teammates who have crossed the line after giving their all.
These are two of the stars of the OK Black, often finishing in the top two.
They are also recent record-breakers, both setting school marks during Oct. 3’s Bulldog Invitational.
Engbers broke the Holland Christian school record in 17:36.2, previously held by state champion Kayla Windemuller, who ran a 17:38.1 a decade ago.
“We worked with Kayla in track in the spring, so that was really cool,” Engbers said. “It really meant a lot to me to achieve that. I was faster in my second mile. I didn’t drop off and was able to hang with some girls (which helped).”
Engbers has been one of the top runners in the state for three years but has several teammates right on her heels. The Maroons are ranked No. 1 in Division 2.
“It is super fun to have girls to run with who are super fast to work out with,” Engbers said. “It is really cool to see the growth and it takes the pressure off. If someone doesn’t have their best race, there are others who can pick up the slack.”
Smith topped the Zeeland West record with a time of 15:21.
“It means a lot. That was my goal to get this year,” Smith said. “I just stuck behind the lead pack and stayed with them. That gave me the confidence to hold that pace. It is a big mental booster for conference and regionals. I am hoping we can make it to state this year.”
Last year, Smith’s brother Keagan won the OK Black Conference title.
“I want to win the conference and continue what my brother did last year,” Tanner said. “It has been great having him run ahead of me and my dad (Matt) help coach. It really helps me be who I am.”
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’[email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: How Avery Engbers, Tanner Smith raced to school records at same cross country meet