Allendale, MI — Coming off a championship season, Allendale High School Boys Cross Country isn’t backing down from high expectations. With five of their top eight runners graduating, Head Coach Phil Jones and his staff are focused on developing the next generation of frontrunners while maintaining the strong, team-first culture that’s made the Falcons one of Michigan’s premier Division 2 programs.
Offseason Built on Strength, Endurance & Tradition
This summer, the Falcons are sticking to the proven formula — build a big aerobic base, get strong, and run hills. “We focus on being consistent with weightlifting and stacking aerobic volume so we’re ready to handle more speed and pacing work when the fall hits,” says Coach Jones. Long hill runs, tempo sessions, and strategic lifting are all cornerstones of the team’s offseason.
In true Allendale fashion, the hard work is balanced by fun traditions like Saturday long runs with chocolate milk and doughnuts, Pancake Saturdays, and the occasional refreshing plunge into Lake Michigan after a big run. These moments, while lighthearted, are foundational in keeping the team tight-knit and motivated.
Camp, Indoor Track & Summer Grind
To keep sharpening their edge, many runners participate in the Michigan Indoor Track Series and attend the GVSU Cross Country Camp in July. These experiences help bridge track and cross country while building chemistry among runners of all grade levels.
New Era Begins – Filling the Senior Gap
Graduating seniors Kilian Whalen, Ben Gross, Parker Tiethof, Jackson Meyers, and Jaxon Ramos leave behind a legacy of excellence. But the next wave is ready to step up. Key returners Mason Hill, Ronnie Silveira, and Aden Ashworth will be the foundation of this year’s team.
Look for Dane Sprague, Corbin Barker, Owen VanDyke, and Jaxon Serna to emerge as critical contributors this fall as the team seeks to rebuild its depth and continue its winning ways. Brycen Stewart, rising from the middle school level, is another name to watch.
Fuel, Recovery & Growth Mindset
Coach Jones emphasizes hydration, refueling, and recovery, especially during the championship phase of the season. The team uses specialty recovery mixes and pre-race nutrition strategies to stay sharp and healthy when it matters most.
Philosophically, the coaching staff is all about positivity, self-belief, and progress. “We’ll tailor our leadership approach to match this group’s personality,” says Jones. “The energy shifts when you graduate five seniors, so our job is to adjust, guide, and bring out the best in this new team.”
Aiming High Again in 2025
With a new-look roster, Allendale will face stiff competition in its quest to repeat as state champions. But don’t count the Falcons out. The coaches believe the key will be a consistent summer of running and instilling belief in the younger runners. If they can come together, the team has the pieces to make another deep postseason run.
Fans and the Allendale community can stay updated via social media, where the team frequently shares workouts and accomplishments. Support from parents, students, and alumni continues to be a driving force behind the program’s success.
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