HIGH SCHOOL

St. Johns twins chasing titles in different sports

Brian Calloway
Lansing State Journal
Twin sisters Karrigan Smith (left) and Kayleigh Smith (right) have been key contributors for their teams this spring. Karrigan has a chance to repeat as the Division 2 state champion in the 1,600 run, while Kaleigh could help the Redwing softball team win a district title.

At some point between running events Saturday, Karrigan Smith will be checking her phone for softball updates.

Her mother Chrissi, who will be among the spectators at the Division 2 state track meet at Zeeland High School, will be doing the same.

The St. Johns senior track star will hope to see good news from Okemos, where her twin Kayleigh, younger sister Kendall and father Kevin will try to help the Redwings win a Division 1 softball district title.

The eventful day for the Smith family is part of the busiest on the high school sports calendar. Saturday features MHSAA state championships in girls tennis and boys and girls track and district finals in baseball, softball and girls soccer.

"It's going to be quite a day," said Karrigan, who is the defending Division 2 state champion in the 1,600 run.

"I'll be excited to hear about how they're doing at their games and I know they're going to be calling me to see how I'm doing in Zeeland."

The day could be rewarding for the Smith family, who has grown accustomed to busy schedules in the spring. Karrigan has a good chance at winning individual titles in the 1,600 and 800, while Kayleigh and Kendall will have a good shot at a district title if St. Johns gets past Division 1 honorable mention Howell in a semifinal at noon.

"Even though I'll be in a completely different city than (Karrigan) I'll just feel her energy," Kayleigh said. "It's such a weird connection that we have. I'm super excited for her and wish that I could be there on Saturday."

Regardless of what happens Saturday, the spring has been a success for the Smiths.

Karrigan, who will continue her running career at Michigan State, was the league champion in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 runs while helping St. Johns win the CAAC Red title last week. She also won the 800 on Tuesday at the Greater Lansing Honor Roll Meet of Champions.

Kayleigh and Kendall have been contributors in helping St. Johns repeat as CAAC Red champs and finish runner-up in the Softball Classic. Kayleigh is the primary pitcher and leadoff hitter for the Redwings, who enter Saturday with a 29-7 record. Kendall ranks among St. Johns' leaders in runs and stolen bases.

Kevin has had a front row view of the softball success as an assistant for coach Barry Palmer.

The schedule will for certain become less hectic after Saturday with Karrigan's prep running career ending at the state meet. But Chrissi has enjoyed witnessing the many high points for her daughters in a busy last few months.

"It's beyond exciting and this whole season has been just wonderful," Chrissi said. "They've all done such a tremendous job. We're incredibly proud of how far they've come this entire season.

"I'm kind of sitting back and enjoying the ride. I'm trying not to think about it too much. It's bittersweet and it's a great note to go out on for both of the seniors."