Portland Cross Country Teams Open Season with Strong Performances at DeWitt and Grand Rapids

The Portland Boys and Girls Cross Country teams kicked off the 2025 season this past week with back-to-back meets—first on Tuesday at the HOKA Postal Nationals Cougar 2-Mile in DeWitt, and again Friday night at the highly anticipated Under the Lights Invitational at Grand Rapids South Christian.

Cougar 2-Mile Recap – DeWitt (Tuesday)

The Girls Team took on a hilly and challenging course in DeWitt to start the week. Paige Weber led the way with a strong opening time of 13:52, followed by sophomore newcomer Georgia Stahl in 15:08. The rest of the team packed it in well with Lauren Spitzley (16:38), Claire Lyon (16:43), and Veda Smith (16:57) rounding out the top five. Additional strong efforts came from Willa Almy, Abby Seavey, Addison Cody, Peyton Rockey, Jorja McFarland, and Brynn Nelson.

In the Boys Race, senior Andrew Feldpausch opened his season with an impressive 4th place finish in 10:34, followed closely by Owen Moore (12th, 10:59) and Donnie Richmond (18th, 11:07). Rounding out the team were Aaron Martinson (12:43), James Feldpausch (13:02), Tanner McNair (13:04), Aiden Espinoza (15:11), and Noah Huffine (15:38).

Under the Lights Invite – Grand Rapids South Christian (Friday)

One of the most exciting meets of the year, the Under the Lights Invitational, drew nearly 90 schools and delivered a great racing atmosphere under the night sky. Both Portland squads competed in the Sunset Division, which featured 30 competitive teams.

Boys Sunset Division

The boys set the tone for the evening with fireworks, literally and figuratively, at the 8:30 p.m. start. The team had a breakout night with three medalists finishing in the top 50. Senior Owen Moore led the way in 17th with a time of 16:48, followed by fellow senior Andrew Feldpausch in 20th at 16:50, setting a 10-second PR. Sophomore Donnie Richmond continued his momentum, placing 33rd in 17:27, notching a 31-second PR from last year.

Freshmen Aaron Martinson (19:24) and James Feldpausch (20:19) impressed in their 5K debuts, while senior two-sport athlete (Soccer/XC) Tanner McNair (21:13), sophomore Noah Huffine (25:28), and freshman Aiden Espinoza (26:34) rounded out the team.

Girls Sunset Division

The girls followed with great determination in a large and talented field. Junior Paige Weber once again led the team, finishing 18th in 21:42, earning a medal. Junior Josephine Polasek was next in 23:06, just outside the top 50, with sophomore Georgia Stahl close behind at 23:38.

Solid performances came from Senior Lauren Spitzley (24:05), Sophomore Izzy Fedewa (24:46), Senior Claire Lyon (25:52), Senior Veda Smith (26:38), and Senior Willa Almy (28:59). First-time freshman Addison Cody broke the 30-minute barrier (29:59), with consistent efforts from Senior Abby Seavey (30:01), Junior Peyton Rockey (31:34), Senior Brynn Nelson (34:09), and Senior Jorja McFarland (34:29) helping build the team's depth. The girls have been putting in the work since practice began on August 4, so the personal records will start falling as the season progresses.

Both Portland teams will be back in action on Wednesday, August 27, at the Saranac Invitational, a meet known for its tough terrain and high-caliber competition from across the state. It’s another opportunity for these hardworking athletes to push themselves and continue the momentum.