PILLAGER, MINN (KWAD) — Stability and experience define the Pillager Huskies cross country program as they enter the 2025 season. Head coach Terry Hollingsworth, now in his 20th year guiding the team and 23rd overall with the program, says this group has the tools to keep moving forward — thanks to strong senior leadership, talented underclassmen, and the addition of assistant coach Alice Marcy, who is joining the staff in her first year.
The Huskies bring back three senior standouts in Alainna Dobson, Violette Metz, and Isabella Brinkman, who will anchor the girls’ team with experience and leadership. They’ll be joined by promising freshmen Bellanie Kalis and Rylie Eustice, both of whom are poised to contribute in scoring roles after a year of growth.
On the boys’ side, the Huskies return a deep and varied group, headlined by juniors Nicholas Barg, Finnley Heisserer, and Will Dosser. Sophomores Eli Pexsa, Aidan Moen, Everett Wachsmuth, Alexia Stephens, and Gabe Stephens provide a solid middle class of talent, ensuring competition for varsity spots and consistency in workouts.
Additional returning runners like junior Parker Pallansch, freshman Camden Balk, eighth grader Kalvin Brinkman, and Rylan Paskewitz round out a roster that mixes youth with valuable race experience. Importantly, the team did not lose any athletes to graduation, giving Hollingsworth and Marcy a full lineup to build around.
Hollingsworth says the Huskies’ biggest strength heading into the fall is “a year’s more experience and good leadership.” With multiple athletes back who have raced at the varsity level, expectations are higher than a season ago.
The formula for success, however, remains simple: staying positive, working hard, and staying healthy. “If we do those three things, this group has the potential to make big strides,” Hollingsworth said.
With no seniors lost to graduation and a strong nucleus returning, the Huskies are in position to climb the competitive ladder in their conference and section. For Hollingsworth, the focus will be on developing consistency, maintaining team morale, and continuing to build a culture of steady improvement.
“We’ve got leaders who know what it takes and young runners eager to prove themselves,” he said. “That’s a good combination.”
As the Huskies hit the trails this fall, the mix of stability, depth, and leadership could make 2025 one of their most competitive seasons yet.
PILLAGER CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE:
Friday, Aug 29 – @ Brainerd – Forestview Middle School, 10:00am
Tuesday, Sept 2 – @ Wadena-Deer Creek, 4:00pm
Friday, Sept 5 – Dragon Invite @ MSUM, 4:00pm
Monday, Sept 8 – @ LPGE, 4:30
Thursday, Sept 11 – @ Pine River-Backus, 4:00
Thursday, Sept 18 – HOME MEET @ MADDEN’S PINE BEACH WEST, 4:00pm
Tuesday, Oct 2 – @ Crosby-Ironton, 3:30
Tuesday, Oct 7 – @ Minnewaska Area, 4:00pm
Tuesday, Oct 14 – Park Region Conference Meet at Oakwood Golf Course (OTC), 4:00pm
Thursday, Oct 23 – Section 6A Meet @ Minnewaska Area, 4:00pm