Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's men's cross country team is set to welcome two new athletes for the 2024 season. Head coach Grant Lofdahl announced that Samuel Martini from Casnovia, Michigan, and Ethan Muraszewski from Shelby Township, Michigan, will join the Warriors next fall.

Coach Lofdahl expressed enthusiasm about Martini's potential: "We have known about Sam since his sister Layla joined our team, and he was a very good runner since his freshman year of high school," said Lofdahl. "He is willing to put in the extraordinary amount of work throughout the year that it takes to be an elite runner, and when you combine that with some natural ability and some toughness, you get someone who's placed in the top-20 at state cross country finals three times. He is an excellent student as well, and having crossed the line first in well over 20 races so far, he is a runner who knows how to win."

Martini has achieved significant success during his high school career at Kent City High School. He has consistently performed well at both regional and state levels in cross country and track events. His academic achievements include maintaining a 4.0 GPA and receiving Academic All-State honors seven times.

Muraszewski also brings strong credentials to Wayne State's program. Coach Lofdahl commented on his abilities: "Ethan has been one of the better runners in Macomb County for a while, and he will be a great asset to our program," remarked Lofdahl. "He is all-in with the distance running lifestyle and has shown steady improvement at the prep level, as well as some resiliency in coming back from injury during his junior season. Besides his talent as a runner, he is a positive and outgoing young man who will help make us better with his work ethic and leadership characteristics. We're excited to add him to the mix next fall."

Muraszewski's high school tenure at Utica High School includes multiple qualifications for state meets in both cross country and track events. He served as team captain for several years.

The addition of these athletes comes as Wayne State prepares for changes due to upcoming graduations of key team members including three-time All-American Ransom Allen.