Running community mourns Shay.

Members of the county’s running community were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of elite marathon racer Ryan Shay, a former Central Lake High School standout who often competed against Leelanau prep athletes more than a decade ago.

Shay, 28, died Saturday after collapsing in New York City’s Central Park at the U.S. men’s marathon Olympic trials. Autopsy results on Shay were inconclusive.

“It was so surprising to hear the news,” said Suttons Bay cross country coach Mark Smith, who in 1988 competed in the Olympic trails as a steeplechaser. “I didn’t really know him, but we crossed paths a few times over the years while running in the same race. It’s so frustrating to see a young kid who already had a great career, and plenty left in front of him, and now he’s gone.”

Shay won 11 high school cross country and track state championships at Central Lake, and became the first-ever 9-time All-American at Notre Dame.

Glen Lake cross country coach Pete Edwards called Shay’s death “devastating news” – especially to former Laker running standout Marissa Treece and her family. Shay’s father, Joe Shay, is Central Lake’s track and cross country coach, and Edwards said he played a key role in helping Treece improve as a runner and steering her to attend Notre Dame, where she is running for the Fighting Irish as a freshman this year.

“All of us in the running community are like family. The Treeces and the Shays were extra close,” Edwards said.
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An “odd” trend is being noticed with the Suttons Bay football team.
Saturday’s district playoff loss to Montague continued the development of a trend in which Suttons Bay falls early in the post-season during odd-year campaigns.

“We won (districts) in 2002, 2004 and 2006, but lost in the odd years,” Norsemen coach Joe Trudeau said.
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Runners, walkers and joggers pushing strollers are all welcome to participate in the Glen Lake 5K Turkey Trot cross country trail run on Saturday morning

The event begins at 9 a.m. and will be held on Glen Lake’s cross country course. Dozens of turkeys, and many other items, will be raffled at the event. Special awards will be given to the male and female overall winners, plus masters division winners. Proceeds will benefit the Laker cross country program.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the entry fee is $20. For more information, call 334-3080.
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Yes, the block "M" Michigan flag is flying once again at the Leelanau Enterprise, much to the chagrin of Alan Campbell. His wife, Debra Campbell, is a big Michigan fan. They are co-publishers of the Enterprise.

The flag-raising actually occurred the day before the Michigan-Michigan State game Saturday, which was won by the Wolverines, 28-24, when Mrs. Campbell convinced a staff member that the State flag was too tattered to display.

After learning of the explanation, Mr. Campbell replied that it had been a long winter.