VERNDALE, MINN (KWAD) — When Heidi Brandsma started the Verndale cross country program five years ago, the focus was on introducing student-athletes to a sport rooted in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Now entering her fifth season as both head coach and leader of the young program, Brandsma sees the Pirates moving from foundation building to genuine competitiveness in a strong region for distance running.
“This is our fifth year as a program, and we’re proud of the foundation we’re building for future runners,” Brandsma said. “It’s exciting to see how much our athletes have grown, not only in their times, but in their leadership and encouragement of one another.”
The Pirates return a solid core of letterwinners on both the boys’ and girls’ squads. Senior Jayden Herner anchors the group as the team’s only 12th-grade veteran, providing leadership and stability. He’s joined by sophomores Jordan Bittner, Logan Lamphere, Kristian Larsen, Angelica Arroyo, and Haylee Horn, all of whom gained valuable varsity experience last season.
Several new and younger runners are also expected to make an impact. Junior Korby Grieger, freshman Charlie Johnson, and sophomore Amiyah Herner will look to strengthen the varsity lineup, while eighth grader Heta Tervola-Hultburg represents the program’s youngest wave of talent, already pushing for a role.
Notably, Verndale did not lose any runners to graduation this past offseason, giving Brandsma and her team a rare chance to build momentum with a fully intact roster.
For Brandsma, the team’s greatest strength isn’t necessarily in numbers or raw speed, but in attitude. “We have supportive team dynamics and hard-working athletes,” she said. “The key to success this season will be those great attitudes and the way our runners encourage each other to do their best.”
As Verndale Cross Country continues to grow into its identity, the path ahead is challenging. In the Park Region Conference, the boys will face strong competition from Bertha-Hewitt and Wadena-Deer Creek, while the girls will see United North Central and Wadena-Deer Creek as key opponents.
At the section level, perennial powers like Sauk Centre and Bertha-Hewitt set the bar on the boys’ side, while Minnewaska Area and Staples-Motley lead the girls’ chase for state qualification.
Though Verndale’s program is still relatively young, Brandsma says the emphasis this fall is not only on racing results but on personal growth. “We’re looking forward to a great season with personal growth both on and off the course,” she said.
That mindset — blending athletic performance with character development — has been central to Verndale’s first five years of cross country. With an experienced core, rising talent, and a supportive culture, the Pirates are poised to continue their upward climb in 2025.
VERNDALE CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE:
Saturday, Aug 23 – Brave Like Gabe meet @ Perham, 9:00am
Monday, Aug 25th – @ Staples-Motley, 9:00am
Thursday, Aug 28th – @ New York Mills, 4:00pm
Monday, Sept 8 – @ Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, 4:30pm
Thursday, Sept 18 – @ Madden’s Pine Beach West Golf Course, 4:00pm
Tuesday, Sept 23 – @ Bertha-Hewitt, 4:00pm
Thursday, Oct 2 – @ OTC, 4:00pm
Thursday, Oct 9 – @ Perham, 4:00pm
Tuesday, Oct 14 – Park Region Conference Meet @ Henning (Oakwood Golf Course), 4:00pm
Thursday, Oct 23 – Section 6A Meet @ Minnewaska Area, 4:00pm