MOORHEAD, Minn (KWAD) – A cool, fast course set the stage for fireworks at one of the largest cross country meets of the fall, and Central Minnesota’s runners didn’t disappoint. Facing stacked lineups from Moorhead, Davies, and top North Dakota programs, Staples-Motley, Wadena-Deer Creek, Park Rapids Area, Bertha-Hewitt, and Ottertail Central athletes carved out their places in the spotlight with a mix of individual brilliance and team depth.
Rach, Miller Leads the Way for Bertha-Hewitt
If there was any doubt about Brady Rach’s senior season intentions, he erased them with a commanding performance. The Bertha-Hewitt standout surged with the lead pack from the gun and never faded, crossing in 15:47.7 to take second overall. The time was a personal best and cemented his reputation as one of the premier small-school runners in the state. Bertha-Hewitt also saw solid runs from Henry Lockwood (17:04.5) and Gunnar Barthel (17:39.1), giving the Bears a presence inside the top 50.
On the girls’ side, Kendra Miller battled through a strong field to earn the bronze medal in 18:39.8, a performance that places her among Class A’s elite. Senior Miette Hansel (20:30.6) and sophomore Mckayla Kapphahn (22:13.9) added to the Bears’ depth.
Wolverines Pack Punch in Team Battle
The Wadena-Deer Creek boys made the biggest team statement, storming to a third-place finish with 153 points. Grant Nelson led the charge, clocking 16:08.9 for 5th place. His aggressive front-running gave the Wolverines early momentum, and his teammates followed suit.
Senior Owen Anderson (17:39.8), freshman Lane Kaufman (17:40.5), senior Evan Schmidt (17:46.0), and senior James Seelhammer (18:15.2) formed a remarkably tight pack, all finishing within a minute of one another to secure the podium spot in the team standings.
The Wolverine girls showed their own depth, finishing 7th overall with 201 points. Junior Karly Haverkamp paced the squad in 19:54.4, while classmates Brielle Kern (21:04.5) and Cambrie Geiger (21:19.1) both cracked the top 45. Senior Lydia Oldakowski (21:50.1) and junior Annika Spicer (22:10.7) rounded out the scoring, showcasing a balanced and experienced lineup.
Park Rapids Area’s Front Runners Shine
The Park Rapids Area boys finished just behind WDC, placing fourth as a team with 172 points. The Panthers were led by sophomore Jack Mitteness, who claimed 10th in 16:21.4. Sophomore teammates Cesar Quixan Gutierrez (17:29.0) and Parker Larson (17:29.1) worked together to secure crucial places, while junior Tyler Huot (17:38.1) and sophomore Andrew Mercil (19:26.0) provided the depth needed to stay in the top five.
On the girls’ side, freshman Greta Galzki was the story of the day, surging to a 13th-place finish in 19:36.1 against a field stacked with metro and North Dakota talent. She was followed closely by freshman Katelynn Henderson (21:28.8) and junior Madeline Brandt (21:31.1), with senior Grace Etter (22:10.0) anchoring the team. The Panthers finished 10th overall with 254 points, giving them a benchmark for future growth.
Newark Sparks Bulldogs into Top 10
The Ottertail Central boys had a star in Peter Newark, who ran the race of his career to finish 8th overall in 16:13.3. His effort powered the Bulldogs to an 8th-place team finish with 233 points. Senior Talyn Setterholm (17:27.0), freshman Drew Robinson (18:17.3), and senior Phoenix Allison (18:47.8) provided scoring support, showing a mix of experience and youth.
For the girls, Quinn Hagemeister (22:05.2) led the way as a freshman, while sophomore Tegan Brandon (22:29.1) and senior Kailie Robinson (22:41.1) chipped in to help OTC place 16th as a team. The Bulldogs may be young, but their showing against deep competition bodes well for the remainder of the season.
Brownell Headlines Staples-Motley Effort
For Staples-Motley, it was senior Audrey Brownell who once again stole the spotlight. The defending state champion looked sharp and confident, posting a season-best 17:47.9 to finish runner-up overall. Brownell’s performance gave the Cardinal girls the front-runner they’ll lean on as October approaches.
Freshman Aleea Holst (21:04.2) and eighth-grader Elise Trif (21:49.9) provided encouraging results, while junior Suhaila Mikhaeil (22:05.0) rounded out the Cardinals’ scoring five. Staples-Motley finished 8th as a team with 227 points, proving they can compete with much larger schools.
On the boys’ side, sophomore Andrew Dobson (18:08.3) and classmate Gage Bjerga (18:13.1) turned in steady efforts, while freshman Garrett Bjerga (19:10.1) added depth. The Cardinals placed 14th overall with 329 points.
BOYS – TEAM RESULTS
1. Davies ……………………. 43
2. Moorhead ………………….. 76
3. Wadena-Deer Creek …………. 153
4. Park Rapids Area ………….. 172
5. Hawley XC ………………… 175
6. Pahrump Valley ……………. 202
7. St. John’s Prep …………… 209
8. Ottertail Central …………. 233
9. West Central Area …………. 239
10. Pierz …………………….. 241
11. Nevis …………………….. 303
12. Glen Ullin/Hebron …………. 304
13. Minot North ……………….. 306
14. Staples-Motley …………….. 329
15. Lakeview ………………….. 395
16. Grafton …………………… 425
17. Pillager ………………….. 461
BOYS – TOP 10 INDIVIDUALS
1. Luka Rout (Davies) ……………… 15:06.2
2. Brady Rach (Bertha-Hewitt) ………. 15:47.7
3. Owen Winter (DGF) ………………. 16:04.5
4. Jaxon Rolle (Glen Ullin/Hebron) ….. 16:05.6
5. Grant Nelson (Wadena-Deer Creek) …. 16:08.9
6. Will Vix (St. John’s Prep) ………. 16:09.6
7. Keagan Thomson (Davies) …………. 16:11.1
8. Peter Newark (Ottertail Central) …. 16:13.3
9. Carter Kjesbo (West Central Area) … 16:20.4
10. Jack Mitteness (Park Rapids Area) … 16:21.4
GIRLS – TEAM RESULTS
1. Davies …………………….. 36
2. Moorhead …………………… 62
3. Riverside Christian ………… 161
4. St. John’s Prep ……………. 172
5. Minnewaska Area ……………. 175
6. Pierz …………………….. 193
7. Wadena-Deer Creek ………….. 201
8. Staples-Motley …………….. 227
9. Hawley XC …………………. 236
10. Park Rapids Area …………… 254
11. Central Cass ……………….. 281
12. Pillager …………………… 342
13. Valley City ………………… 343
14. West Central Area …………… 350
15. Frazee …………………….. 352
16. Ottertail Central …………… 377
17. Pahrump Valley ……………… 378
GIRLS – TOP 10 INDIVIDUALS
1. Margaret Duffy (St. John’s Prep) ….. 17:33.2
2. Audrey Brownell (Staples-Motley) ….. 17:47.9
3. Kendra Miller (Bertha-Hewitt) …….. 18:39.8
4. Brielle Stevens (Davies) …………. 18:43.1
5. Sophia Johnson (Moorhead) ………… 18:59.7
6. Brynn Braaflat (Davies) ………….. 19:10.5
7. Emelia Arntson (Riverside Christian) . 19:11.4
8. Brooklyn Johnson (Moorhead) ………. 19:20.8
9. Elaina Melendez (Davies) …………. 19:23.6
10. Kaitlyn Ballinger (Davies) ……….. 19:24.6