PARK RAPIDS, MINN (KWAD) – The 2025 cross country season marks a new chapter for the Park Rapids Panthers under head coach Jacob Hutchins, who enters his second year leading the program and fourth overall with the team. With assistants Nicole Brandt and Stephen Funk alongside him, Hutchins will guide a group that mixes experienced upperclassmen with emerging young talent.
The Panthers return a strong list of letterwinners on both the boys’ and girls’ sides. Among them are senior leaders Josh Conway, Preston Tackett, Grace Etter, Breanna Deblieck, and Alessia Harmon, who bring not only racing experience but also the leadership that Hutchins says will be vital in shaping the team’s culture.
The junior class adds depth with Tyler Huot, Parker Larson, Madeline Brandt, Embry Deshayes, and Noelle Bradt, all of whom played key roles last fall. Sophomores Jack Mitteness and Cesar Quixan Gutierrez, along with freshmen Kaelyn Larson and Greta Galzki, provide a young but already battle-tested foundation. Eighth grader Caleb Mack rounds out the group of letterwinners, showing the program’s willingness to develop talent early.
Beyond the letterwinners, Hutchins has a large group of returnees ready to push for varsity roles. That list includes eighth graders Jerome Preiner and Diesel Walker, freshmen Mihai Jeppesen, Fred London, Henry Lemier, and Nick Corbin, sophomores Drew Mercil, Levi Gack, Max Deblieck, and Owen Ackerman, and more.
With that kind of depth, the Panthers are well-positioned to absorb the loss of a talented senior class that graduated seven runners from a team that placed 16th at the State Cross Country Meet last season: Thomas Lopez, Sean Ward, Jarrett Galzki, Castle London, William Hollman, Kamron Hagen, and Leo Kaufenberg.
The program enters 2025 with confidence after what Hutchins called “a fairly successful season.” The boys’ team advanced to the state meet, while the girls finished in the top third of the section — strong results in one of the most competitive areas of Minnesota.
“Our boys making it to state was a big accomplishment, and our girls showed they could compete with anyone,” Hutchins said. “We’ve got a very disciplined and motivated young team, with a lot of natural running talent. I’m very excited for this season.”
For Hutchins, the formula for success is simple but challenging: a smart training plan, strong leadership, and good health. “Having a strong and varied workout plan, good leadership, and most importantly staying healthy throughout the season are the main keys,” he said.
The Panthers are beginning their second season in the Heart O Lakes Conference, which Hutchins describes as “loaded with talent.” The HOL features Perham, Staples-Motley, Barnesville, DGF, Hawley and Pelican Rapids as potential champions of their respective sections. That means every meet will test his team and provide valuable experience. At the section level, the competition is just as fierce. “There are some really great teams in our section,” Hutchins said. “I think that any of them could be contenders on any given day.”
With a mix of youth and experience, along with the momentum of a state appearance, the Panthers are entering the season with optimism and energy. Hutchins is quick to point out that the program is still building, but the combination of depth, motivation, and natural talent makes the future look bright.
PARK RAPIDS AREA CROSS COUNTY SCHEDULE:
Monday, Aug 25 – @ Staples-Motley, 9:00am
Tuesday, Sept 2 – @ Wadena-Deer Creek, 4:00pm
Friday, Sept 12 – Dragon Invite @ MSUM, 4:00pm
Tuesday, Sept 16 – @ Bagley, 4:00pm
Saturday, Sept 27 – Border Battle @ Grand Forks Central, 1:00pm
Thursday, Oct 2 – @ Hawley, 4:00pm
Thursday, Oct 9 – @ Perham, 4:00pm
Tuesday, Oct 14 – HOL Conference Meet @ Breckenridge, 4:00pm
Friday, Oct 24 – Section 8A Meet @ Bagley 4:00