NILES — Track season is just around the corner, but for several area runners, preparations have already begun.

Coached by Niles’ Tony Todd and Jason Todd, the Explosive Track Team competed recently at an indoor meet at Saginaw Valley State University, where it posted the best time in the state of Michigan in the distance medley relay, with a time of 10:40.0.

The time qualified the team for the Indoor State Championships at Eastern Michigan University Saturday and Sunday.

Running in the event were Edwardsburg’s Jack Leman (1,200 meters), Mattawan’s Daniel Phillips (400 meters), Niles’ Adam Shepherd (800 meters), and Otsego’s Hunter Zarthman (1,600 meters).

“The only thing more impressive than their running is their grade point average,” Tony Todd said. “Jack has a 3.97 and will be attending Butler University. Daniel has a 3.64 and will attend Loyola University Chicago. Adam has a 3.72 and will be attending Western University’s Aviation School. Hunter has a 3.91 and will be attending Central Michigan University. These are unweighted GPAs. If they were weighted, they would all be over 4.0.”

Todd explained the qualifying process.

“At the Michigan Indoor Championships, you have to qualify by time first, then you are allowed to compete in one individual, and up to three relays,” he said.

Also qualifying for Explosive are:

• Shawn Little, of Dowagiac, in the 4×800 relay, 800-meters and 1,600 meters

• Kaleb Smith, of Allegan, in the 4×800 relay and 800-meters

Explosive Track also qualified for the girls sprint medley relay with the team of Kaylee Thompson, Natalie Lucero, Tiyana Outlaw, and Sophie Hover, of Niles.

“I would like to thank the Leman family for sponsoring the team,” Todd said.