Stanley-Boyd sophomore and cross country runner
John Smit has emerged as one of the leading young
distance runners for the Stanley-Boyd Orioles. A sophomore this year, Smit has shown rapid progression from middle school to become one of Stanley-Boyd’s leading varsity runners. Smit is the son of Adam and Brianna Smit.
Competing as an eighth grader in Sept. 2024, he won
the middle school boys race in 12:21.
A year later as a freshman in the 5k, Smit won the inaugural Independence Invitational with a time of 18:44, establishing the initial course record. Smit continued improving throughout his freshman year and has continued producing strong results this fall.
At the recent Stanley-Boyd meet, Smit won the
boys race in 17:55.96, nearly 33 seconds ahead of second-place Zeb Schultz of Neillsville. Stanley-Boyd finished second as a team with 44 points, just one point
behind the Chippewa Valley Lightning Bolts.
At the Neillsville Invitational on Sept. 15, Smit placed
third individually, while Stanley-Boyd finished second
in the boys team standings with 49 points behind Cadott’s 30.
Stanley-Boyd Orioles Cross Country Coach Nick
Mahr said Smit continues improving his run times.
“John has improved his 5k time each race this season
and is already 15 seconds faster than his best time from
last season,” Mahr said.
As to personal running goals, Smit says they are “to
keep running PRs and try to make it to state as a sophomore.