By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal.com
 
NORTON SHORES–Mona Shores senior Caleb Branch had a successful cross country career in high school and is now ready to take it to the next level.
 
Branch signed his national letter of intent to run for Ferris State University. Branch signed Thursday afternoon in a ceremony at Mona Shores High School.
 
Ferris State University is a NCAA Division II school located in Big Rapids and is a member of GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
 
Branch was a four-year varsity runner for the Sailors. He holds the fourth fastest time in school history and was the fifth fastest freshman.
 
Caleb has five individual victories; Under the Lights Invite, two OK Green Jamborees, Cougar Falcon Invite and the GMAA Championships.  His best time in 2022 was 15:42 at the GMAA Championships.  He finished in second place at Regionals this season and 99th at the state finals.   
 
“Caleb had a breakout year, after a solid summer training season,” said Mona Shores coach Kyle Mireles.  “He’s consistently in the conversation for all-state contention. He fell short during tough conditions at the State Finals. 
 
“As a racer he’s an asset to a young and growing team of boys and an example of what hard work and a commitment to consistency can achieve,” Mireles said. “In his time at Shores, Caleb has become one of our most decorated runners in recent memory.  While he will be missed next fall, we are excited to see what he can put together on the track this spring.” 
 
Caleb plans to major in engineering, specifically automotive. He has  a 3.402 grade-point-average.
 
He is the son of Allen and Ann Branch.