WADENA, MINN (KWAD) – With the season-opening meet less than a week away, the Wadena-Deer Creek cross country program has a clear vision: to pursue the “joy of running.” Head coach Mike Brunsberg, now in his 13th year as head coach and 20th overall with the program, returns alongside assistant coach Terry Olson to guide a large and experienced roster.
“That’s our mission statement,” said Brunsberg. “Pursue the joy of running, and that’s what we hope to do.”
Brunsberg first joined the program as an assistant in 2000, took a brief break, and then returned to take over head coaching duties. In addition to cross country, he has also served as the junior high baseball coach since 2000.
The Wolverines will lean heavily on their experience this year, particularly on the boys’ side. The team brings back 11 letterwinners, including senior Grant Nelson, who finished 26th overall at last November’s State meet. Other returning seniors include Owen Anderson, James Seelhammer, Evan Schmidt, Trevin Kern, and Charles Peterson. Junior Cooper Damlo and sophomores Brennan Simmons, Noah Stroeing, and Jack Halverson-Bucholz provide strong depth, while freshman Lane Kaufman rounds out the returning lettermen.
Additional contributors are expected from Logan Seelhammer (11), Rhyis Udy (11), Levi Nelson (9), and Lex Tucker (9). Younger athletes Matthew Collins (8) and Xander Weber (8) also return with varsity experience.
On the girls’ side, the team returns a core group that has already logged significant postseason success. Seniors Cambrie Geiger and Lydia Oldakowski, along with juniors Brielle Kern, Karly Haverkamp, and Annika Spicer, and freshman Danika Spicer, headline a roster that has competed at the State Meet on two occasions.
They’ll be joined by Karlie Geiger (10), Ruby Wegscheid (10), Lily Stroeing (10), Katelyn Reinke (10), Abigail Worden (10), Kylie Damlo (8), Madison Hunke (8), Cody Seelhammer (8), and Amara Geiger (8). Seventh grader Gabby Schoon is a new addition to the team.
The program does face the challenge of replacing some major contributors. On the boys’ side, Tayton Lehmann graduated, while the girls lost two mainstays: Amber Collins, who placed 47th at the 2024 State Meet, and Noelle Spicer. Collins, in particular, leaves behind a void as the team’s top runner.
“The girls lost their top runner, Amber Collins, to graduation — so, they will have to pull together and explore new paths to success,” Brunsberg said.
Brunsberg sees depth as the key strength for the boys this year, noting that it should help elevate the quality of workouts and provide a boost on race days. On the girls’ side, he points to the long-standing chemistry of the core group as their greatest asset.
“As always, health will be the key,” Brunsberg added.
Despite the challenges and expectations, Brunsberg says the program will continue to focus on its central mission: enjoying the sport.
The Wolverines open the season this Saturday, August 23rd at the Brave Like Gabe Meet in Perham, then will host 18 other programs at Whitetail Run for the Johanna Olson Invite on September 2nd.
WADENA-DEER CREEK CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE:
Saturday, Aug 23 – @ Perham, 9:00am
Tuesday, Sept 2 – HOME MEET AT WHITETAIL RUN, 4:00pm
Friday, Sept 5 – @ MSUM, 4:00pm
Thursday, Sept 11 – @ Ada-Borup-West, 4:00pm
Saturday, Sept 20 – Roy Griak Invite at U of M
Thursday, Sept 23 – @ Bertha-Hewitt, 4:00pm
Saturday, Sept 27 – @ Grand Forks, 11:00am
Saturday, Oct 4 – @ Duluth East, 10:00am
Tuesday, Oct 7 – @ Minnewaska Area, 4:00
Tuesday, Oct 14 – Park Region Conference Meet at Oakwood Golf Course (Henning), 4:00pm
Thursday, October 23 – Section 6A Meet @ Minnewaska Area, 4:00pm