Four Cardinals Ready to Chase State Glory


May 29, 2026
The Nest, Inside Orchard View Sports
By: Justin Troyer
Presented By: 

Muskegon, MI -- The stage is set, the work has been done, and now four Orchard View Cardinals are preparing for the biggest race of their season on Saturday.

Runners I'Zavion Spears, Damari Wright, Peyton Babbitt, and Ca'Mari Reese will proudly represent Orchard View at the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals at Hamilton High School as they compete in the highly anticipated 4x100-meter relay. For these four athletes, the opportunity is about much more than a race—it is about representing their school, their teammates, and an entire community that has rallied behind them throughout the season.

These four has spent months refining handoffs, building chemistry, and pushing one another through countless practices and competitions. Their dedication has earned them a spot among the state's best, but they are not satisfied with simply making the finals.

"The mindset is we're going in to win. We have put in the work all year and it got us this far, but we're still hungry and got something to prove," said I'zavion Spears when asked about the team's mentality heading into the state finals.

That confidence comes from preparation. Throughout the season, the Cardinals have consistently demonstrated speed, discipline, and determination. Every relay exchange and every sprint has been a step toward this moment.

Collectively, Spears, Wright, Babbitt, and Reese have helped restore a sense of pride and excitement around Orchard View athletics. Wearing the Cardinal red and white means something special to this group, and they understand the responsibility that comes with representing their school on one of sports biggest stages.

Racing not only for themselves, but for the students, families, coaches, alumni, and supporters who have stood behind them over years. Their goal is simple: make the Orchard View proud.

No matter what happens when the gun sounds in Hamilton, these young men have already established themselves as leaders and ambassadors for Cardinal athletics. Their commitment, work ethic, and belief in one another have created a season that will be remembered for years to come.

And while their focus remains squarely on bringing home state hardware, the future remains bright. The same energy, confidence, and momentum that fueled this historic track season is expected to carry directly into the fall, where many of these athletes will once again suit up for football whether that be at Cardinal Stadium or under the bright lights in East Lansing. 

For now, however, all eyes are on Hamilton.

Four Cardinals.

One relay.

One opportunity to leave their mark.  It will be a great day to be a Cardinal!


Community Contributors: Poo Patrol Muskegon

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