On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the Spartans cross-country team kicked off their season competing at the MCM Invite in Salem. Due to on-going construction around the golf course in Salem, the race layout was different from years prior. There were about 50 runners at the starting line for the varsity girl’s race. The Spartans had three runners step up to the starting line. Junior, Alexis Roesler led the Spartans, and she finished in 25:08 to cross the line in 29th place and capture a medal. Junior, Ella Kolousek ran 25:49.37 and finished 35th. Senior, Masynn Mebius ran 27:18.45 and finished in 43rd place.
On the way home, through the downpouring rain, hail, and wind, we had to pull off and wait it out, so we entered to run on Friday night in the Augie Twilight in Sioux Falls.
Friday afternoon came and we traveled to Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls to participate in the Augie Twilight Meet. What an experience to be among so many runners from all three SD classes and runners from other states. There were 414, yes, you read that correctly, 414 runners that stepped to the starting line for the girls’ varsity 5K race. They were the third race of the afternoon/evening. The two college races were run along the glowstick path. The Spartans ran their best race yet. Being on the soccer fields, the course was flat, repetitive, and fast. Alexis ran 22:49.5 and finished 348th. Masynn ran an amazing race and kept Alexis in her sights the whole race. Masynn finished in 23:00 and in 359th place. Ella was a minute behind and finished in 394th with her clocking of 24:00.
Next race for the Spartans will be Thursday, September 11, 2025, as we travel to DeSmet. I will be looking for volunteers to help watch turns during the 281 Conference meet held at the Springs Golf Course on Wednesday, September 24. Races start at 10 a.m.