FERGUS FALLS, Minn (KWAD) – Alexandria cross country proved once again that depth and pack running win meets, sweeping both the boys and girls team championships Thursday at the John Hermes Invitational on the rolling trails of Fergus Falls’ Pebble Lake Golf Course.
The Cardinal boys delivered a nearly perfect performance, scoring 27 points with a remarkable 0:36 pack spread. Sophomore Jakin Miller (3rd, 17:34.1) and classmate Cedric Soderholm (4th, 17:34.5) surged to the front early and never let go. They were quickly joined by Tyler Jahner (5th, 17:40.0) and Matty Soderholm (6th, 17:49.2). Freshman Cohen Lussenden closed out the scoring with 9th place in 18:10.3.
Senior Carson Bumgarner (10th, 18:12.0) and junior Donovan Rousu (11th, 18:22.1) served as critical insurance in a deep seven-runner squad that put all scorers in the top 11.
On the girls side, Alexandria’s talent shone even brighter. Led by senior Quinn Hills—who set the tone from the opening kilometer and never relinquished control to win in 19:47.4—the Cardinals placed five runners in the top 10 and posted just 26 points.
Eighth-grader Avery Warzecha (4th, 20:19.1) and senior Citori Halbe (5th, 20:19.6) ran side-by-side most of the way. Sophomore Emma Bassen (7th, 20:25.4) and senior Isabella Nei (9th, 20:34.2) closed a scoring spread of only 46 seconds, one of the best pack times in the state this fall.
Frazee shows grit and depth
Facing a loaded field highlighted by perennial power Alexandria, the Frazee Hornets demonstrated tenacity on both sides, earning valuable mid-season experience.
The Hornet boys finished fifth overall with 126 points, packing their top five within 1:28. Eighth-grader Coltyn Pender led the way with a 22nd place finish in 20:50.3 with sophomore Paul Sharp close behind (23rd, 20:56.3). Classmates Talon Hoverson (26th, 22:06.6), Eli Heston (27th, 22:08.2), and Hunter Piekarski (28th, 22:18.2) rounded out the scoring.
On the girls side, Frazee’s young squad placed fourth with 105 points, anchored by breakout runs from Rilynn Ruiz (14th, 22:40.9) and Bristol Larsen (16th, 23:42.1). Freshman Zoey St. Germain (24th, 27:45.8), sophomore Madilyn Perrine (25th, 28:11.3), and senior Caleigh Pausch (26th, 28:42.4) showed grit over the challenging final mile.
Top 10 — Varsity Boys (5K)
| Pl | Athlete | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samuel Rasmussen | Fergus Falls | 17:26.9 |
| 2 | Ryan Karls | St. Cloud Apollo | 17:30.1 |
| 3 | Jakin Miller | Alexandria | 17:34.1 |
| 4 | Cedric Soderholm | Alexandria | 17:34.5 |
| 5 | Tyler Jahner | Alexandria | 17:40.0 |
| 6 | Matty Soderholm | Alexandria | 17:49.2 |
| 7 | Brody Nelson | Fergus Falls | 17:55.1 |
| 8 | Micah Mouser | Fergus Falls | 18:01.3 |
| 9 | Cohen Lussenden | Alexandria | 18:10.3 |
| 10 | Carson Bumgarner | Alexandria | 18:12.0 |
Team Scores — Varsity Boys
| Pl | Team | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandria | 27 |
| 2 | Fergus Falls | 42 |
| 3 | St. Cloud Apollo | 82 |
| 4 | Breckenridge/Wahpeton | 104 |
| 5 | Frazee | 126 |
Top 10 — Varsity Girls (5K)
| Pl | Athlete | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quinn Hills | Alexandria | 19:47.4 |
| 2 | Cassie Wellman | Fergus Falls | 19:54.9 |
| 3 | Carsyn Lill | Fergus Falls | 20:18.6 |
| 4 | Avery Warzecha | Alexandria | 20:19.1 |
| 5 | Citori Halbe | Alexandria | 20:19.6 |
| 6 | Lucie Comstock | Breckenridge/Wahpeton | 20:23.1 |
| 7 | Emma Bassen | Alexandria | 20:25.4 |
| 8 | Kiera Wiertzema | Breckenridge/Wahpeton | 20:33.8 |
| 9 | Isabella Nei | Alexandria | 20:34.2 |
| 10 | Anna Korynta | Alexandria | 20:36.5 |
Team Scores — Varsity Girls
| Pl | Team | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandria | 26 |
| 2 | Fergus Falls | 55 |
| 3 | Breckenridge/Wahpeton | 59 |
| 4 | Frazee | 105 |