Moment: Sayen Sprints to Title Sweep

April 23, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Clayton Sayen won the maximum number of MHSAA championships possible for a Michigan high school runner during the 2017-18 school year.

After claiming the Upper Peninsula Division 1 cross country title in the fall, Sayen capped his Houghton career by becoming the most recent of seven athletes to win four individual events at an MHSAA Boys Track & Field Finals.

Sayen claimed the 100 (11.47), 200 (23.19), 400 (51.25) and 800 meters (1:59.31) at the U.P. Division 1 Finals that spring.

The now-Michigan Tech runner was pushed in the 800 in part by teammate Seth Helman, one of those he credited for assisting in his success.

“I rely on my speed for everything. I’m thankful for our coaches who always knew that was best for me. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I did," Sayen said that day.

"I also want to make a special shout-out to Seth Helman. Running against him in the 800 was a bittersweet moment. He’s my closest friend; I’m really going to miss the time we had together. I’m thankful for the competition we had.”

Read more about Sayen’s four-championship day from Second Half and watch his wins below from the NFHS Network.

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