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going to be a great race at Caro if Yami Albrect was going to run the 800. Yami is such a great com-
petitor and he beat Stephen at the Meet of Champs last year. When the race started, and Yami was
ahead by a stride at the 400m mark, I was sure that the race was going to be tight. As they closed
in on the final 300 meters Stephen made his move and with a 100m to go he was ahead by 20-25
meters. What an incredible finish! He came across the finish line at 1:57.07, breaking the school re-
cord. As I ran over to congratulate him, he looked up and said “Coach…I know I can run faster!” He
proved that at the state finals on Saturday as he took on the best in the state. He led the race from
start to finish and beat the field by nearly three seconds with a time of 1:56.82 to become the State
Champion in the 800m.

After the state meet, he was invited to run in Midwest Meet of Champs which was held last Sat-
urday in Lansing. Stephen competed against the top athletes in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana in the
open 800. What a great experience and he ran another awesome race. Stephen recently signed
with Northwood University to run Cross Country and Track. He has a bright future not only in athlet-
ics but also this is a young man who excels in all he does. He is a shining example of positivity. He
understands the power of the words we speak and he is deliberate in choosing those utterances
which build up, encourage, and motivate. “Think it, speak it, believe it, do it” was the mantra my
wife attributed to him this season. These words ring true for Stephen. From attaining Valedictorian
status in his graduating class, to helping open a homeless shelter in Sanilac County as the YAC
President, to setting and achieving his athletic goals. He is a fierce competitor, a compassionate
leader and an inspiration to all who know him. I love this kid. Article by Dan Woodard

KELLY@SPORTSFINESTMAGAZINE.COM 989 545 0735 SPORTSFINESTMAGAZINE.COM June 2018 SPORTS FINEST MAGAZINE • 37