Editor’s note: This is another in a series of stories profiling the area’s male and female athletes of the year as selected by their respective high schools.
BIG RAPIDS – It was a three-sports season most high school athletes would dream of having.
Owen Westerkamp had a dream sports season and is the 2022-23 Big Rapids Male Athlete of the Year as announced by the high school.
He played tennis and ran cross country in the fall and was in track and field during the spring. He’s signed with Grand Valley State to run cross country and track.
For tennis, Westerkamp was a four-year No. 1 singles player and was the first BR athlete to do it in 30-plus years. He was a three-year state finals qualifier and 2023 captain of the highest finish in school history, leading the team to fourth place at MSHAA State Finals.
“Owen’s grit, tenacity and competitive spirit at No. 1 singles permeated throughout our entire lineup,” Big Rapids boys tennis coach Jon Coles said. “When your best player is your hardest worker, that’s a recipe for success. Everyone followed his will to win propelling us to an historic season. He’s extremely athletic, very mentally tough, works hard, and knows how to win.”
For the 2023 cross country season, Westerkamp was CSAA first team all-conference and a 2023 state qualifier.
“Owen came onto the high school cross country scene for the first time as a senior but was able to create impact immediately as a leader and a representation of how hard work can pay off,” Big Rapids cross country coach Branden Bennett said. “Owen helped push his teammates toward their best while maintaining his own focus on completing the daily details that the best athletes in the sport require of themselves. With that he was able to gain a career best 5k time of 16:14.”
For track, Westerkamp was second place in the Division 2 state meet and school record holder in the 800 meters and regional champion in the 1,600 meters. He was All-CSAA first team all-conference and 2023 Pioneer Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
“Owen’s work ethic and commitment are unmatched,” Big Rapids coach Mike Selzer said. “Over the past four years Owen has consistently made improvements, culminating in All-American honors at the New Balance Nationals earning fifth place in the steeple chase as well as second place at the state meet in the 800 meters.
“Owen has been the leader of our team for the past three seasons. Owen has earned many honors, including breaking a 20-year-old school record.
We look forward to following his collegiate career at Grand Valley State University.”
Owen Westerkamp got the job done in three sports
