Some of fastest cross country runners at MIS have become Olympians

Few states can boast the caliber of cross country talent that has been produced in Michigan.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association cross country finals will be held at Michigan International Speedway for the 30th time on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Over the years, some of the best runners in the country have made the 3.1-mile trip around the MIS course.

Three of the top seven boys times ever at MIS were run by future Olympians.

Rockford’s Dathan Ritzenhein, whose record of 14 minutes, 10.4 seconds run in 2000 may never be touched, was a three-time Olympian. Grand Blanc’s Grant Fisher (seventh on the list) is a two-time Olympian who won two bronze medals in Paris in 2024. Ann Arbor Skyline’s Hobbs Kessler (No. 6 on the list) competed in the last Olympics and likely has more Olympics in hi