Minneapolis High School’s Cross Country athletes capped off their season with an impressive showing at the state meet on November 1, at Rim Rock Farm just north of Lawrence. Competing against over 100 of the best runners in Kansas, the Lions Cross Country Team demonstrated grit, teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose that defines the sport. When asked about this past season, Emmalina Stevens, MHS junior, recalled, “I am proud of our team for pushing ourselves to do our very best every day this past season.” 
The Lions Head Cross Country Coach Dina Giles stated, “It was great to have a team make it to the state meet this year when the girls' team qualified, and also Oliver White as an individual competitor for the boys' race.” Assistant Coach Courtney Marsh added, “This year was an extremely fun and fast season. Watching all of the runners improve throughout and peak during post-season is truly rewarding and encouraging for next year.”
Cross country’s long season tests runners not only physically, but mentally. Beginning in the hottest days of August and stretching into November’s cold winds, athletes must balance conditioning, recovery, and motivation through every weather change. For many, the toughest battles and crucial moments of the season happen long before the state competition. When reflecting on an early critical turning point for the team, Aubryn Just, MHS sophomore, who led the team placing 32nd at the state meet, reflected, “The most significant turning point that helped me reach the state meet was when our girls’ team placed first at the Lakeside competition. Seeing our team’s success really sparked something in me to dig deeper and work my hardest for the team.”
At the state competition, the girls’ team placed eighth overall—an especially impressive result for such a young group. “We had three freshmen (Adalynn Johnson, Lindy Huiett, and Bristol Copple) and no seniors,” Just noted. “Adalynn Johnson was one of those three freshmen who achieved a personal record of 22:43.39 by at least a minute. Those freshmen really stepped up throughout the season, and I’m extremely proud of them.” Just added.
On the boys’ side of the competition, MHS junior Oliver White emphasized the camaraderie and growth that came from the season. “A major highlight was having fun with the team and seeing a big group of people go to state,” he said. When asked about the challenging Rim Rock Farm Course-- where the competition was held, White attested, “The hardest part about the meet was the hills—they were tough, especially in the middle of the race.”
With the end of the season and as winter approaches, training for the Minneapolis Lions doesn’t stop. Serenity Knoll, MHS junior, noted about the off-season, “All I do is run, and sometimes it is tiring. But I am glad to do it. It is all worth it in the end. That is how I will prepare for my senior year. Doing the same thing I do every year, but loving it, and putting more effort in.”
Looking ahead to next year, Oliver White noted, “I want to encourage more male athletes to participate in cross country.” The Lions Cross Country Team will likely see an increase in male athletes next year, with a group of 8th-grade boys who will be entering high school. Coach Marsh added, “This group is hungry to improve and succeed.” I'm excited that we did not graduate any runners, and I look forward to the eighth-grade boys joining the high school team next year!”
After a year defined by teamwork, perseverance, and passion, it is clear that these runners already have their sights set on returning to state—and climbing even higher next season. Go Lions!
2025 State XC Results for Minneapolis Competitors