ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (KWAD) — Few programs in Minnesota high school cross country can match the consistency and tradition of Alexandria’s. Under head coach Travis Hochhalter, now entering his 11th year at the helm, the Cardinals are once again poised to be contenders on both the boys’ and girls’ sides this fall as the Cardinals move up to Class AAA for the 2025 season.

Last year brought plenty to celebrate for Alexandria. The boys placed fifth in the Central Lakes Conference and fourth at sections. On the girls’ side, the dominance was undeniable. The Cardinals won the Central Lakes Conference title and finishing as Section 8AA runners-up. Alexandria capped the year with a 2nd-place finish at the Minnesota State High School League State Meet, edging out the section champion Perham in the process. It was another chapter in a strong run of state finishes, which includes 3rd in 2021, 4th in 2019, 7th at the 2020 Club Finale, and a steady string of top-12 showings going back to 2017.

The Cardinals graduated several key contributors, including Kenna Kleven, Evelyn Kuhnau, Bobbi Nichols, and Kasey Soderholm from the girls’ team, and Erick Bergerson and Micah Walswick from the boys. But the cupboard is far from bare.

On the boys’ side, the Cardinals return a deep core led by Justin Selk (12), Kyle Jahner (11), Matty Soderholm (11), Carson Bumgarner (11), Keaton Dummer (11), Donovan Rousu (11), Tyler Jahner (10), and Jakin Miller (10). Nick Hamann (12), Cedric Soderholm (10), Connor Zirbes (10), Joren Dahl (9), Nate Fuglestad (9), Cohen Lussenden (9), Brandon Malo (9), Michael Zang (9), and Hayden Samuelson (9) are all expecting to contribute and make big strides this season.

“We surprised some teams last year, and we’ve added young strength to the roster,” Hochhalter explained. “The juniors and freshmen are already showing toughness in workouts. The summer strength work and miles are paying off.”

For the girls, returning standouts include senior Citori Halbe, who finished 11th overall at state last season, along with Quinn Hills (12), Ainsleigh Lehmann (12), Izzy Nei (12), Anna Korynta (11), and JoJo Kjolhaug (10).

“If we stay healthy, we should be a contender for the top two in the section and beyond,” Hochhalter said. “We’ve got a mix of young runners and veterans, and nine of our top 13 are back from last year. They’re smart, fun, and super talented.”

The roster is boosted by new prospects such as Emma Friday (10), Paisley Olson (9), and Emma Bassen (11)

Both squads are emphasizing race strategy and consistency. Hochhalter notes that the boys are working on developing a sense of pace, learning when to push, and how to race as a unit, while the girls will focus on faster starts and hill work as the season progresses.

The Central Lakes Conference will again be strong. On the boys’ side, Brainerd, Fergus Falls, Sartell, and Alexandria are expected to be top contenders. The girls’ race looks to run through Alexandria, Willmar, Rocori, and Brainerd.

Moving up from 8AA to 8AAA, they’ll now square off against perennial state contenders defending section champ St. Michael-Albertville, Brainerd, and Moorhead.. Hochhalter knows both of his squads face steep competition but welcomes the challenge.

One of the biggest dates circled on the calendar is the 52nd Annual Alexandria Lions “Meet of Champions,” set for Saturday, October 4 at Arrowwood in Alexandria. Widely regarded as one of the premier high school cross country events in Minnesota, the meet will draw more than 23 schools, over 1,000 runners, and many of the state’s top-ranked programs across all three classes.

“It’s always one of the highlights of the year,” Hochhalter said. “We get to host some of the best competition in Minnesota, and our kids love rising to that challenge.”

With 31 boys and 23 girls on the roster, Alexandria Cross Country has both depth and talent to build another memorable season. Between a veteran coaching staff—Hochhalter, Patrick Dougherty, Nikki Paradis, and junior high coaches Aaron Korynta, Liz Wilken, and Gretta Brunelle—and a committed group of athletes, the Cardinals remain firmly entrenched as one of Minnesota’s premier distance programs.

ALEXANDRIA CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE:

Friday, Aug 29, 2025

• Invitational @ Brainerd – Forestview Middle School, 10:00 AM

Thursday, Sept 4, 2025

• Invitational @ Detroit Lakes, 4:00 PM

Friday, Sep 12, 2025

• Invitational @ St. Michael–Albertville, 4:00 PM

Thursday, Sep 18, 2025

• Presection Invite @ ROCORI, 4:15 PM

Thursday, Sept 25, 2025

• Invitational @ Fergus Falls, 4:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 4, 2025

• Lion’s Meet of Champions @ Arrowwood Resort, 10:00 AM

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025

• Central Lakes Conference Championship @ Detroit Lakes, 4:00 PM

Thursday, Oct 23, 2025

• 8AAA Section Meet @ STMA, 4:15 PM