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When it comes to success, the Alexandria Cross Country program is an outstanding model! Once again in 2022, the Cardinals were highly successful with their girls’ placing second in the state and their boys’ finishing ninth. Both teams were Section champions and Conference runners-up. 2022 marked the sixth year in a row the girls’ were at state, placing 12th in 2017, 8th in 2018, 4th in 2019, 7th at Club Finale in 2020 and 3rd in 2021. For the boys’ they were 11th in 2017, 15th at Club Finale in 2020 and qualified 2 individuals for the state meet in 2021. The Cardinals are looking to continue that tradition in 2023.
The girls’ lost seven letter winners to graduation, Amanda Bergerson, Bella Hale, Emma Hochhalter, Giselle Jahner, Hailey Klimek, Brynn Kosters and Mattie Scholten.
Returning letter winners for the Lady Cards are seniors Brynn Cross, Jaelyn Miller and Maddee Hochhalter, juniors Bobbi Nichols and Kasey Soderholm and sophomores Citori Halbe, Quinn Hills and Brooklyn Jurchenko.
“We have a bunch of returning girls with some support,” reported Head Coach Travis Hochhalter. “If we stay healthy we should be a contender for top two in sections and beyond. Girls are young but we have some talented veterans and great leaders who work hard. We have some experience from last year, along with a great group of young gals that seem to be fitting in nicely.”
Juniors Evelyn Kuhnau and Kenna Kleven, sophomores Izzy Nei and Ainsleigh Lehmann, and freshmen Anna Korynta, Sophie Matchinsky and Jada Zenner are all prospective varsity contributors.
“The 2023 outlook in the Central Lakes Conference has Rocori, Alexandria, Fergus Falls and Willmar all in the running for the title,” said Coach Hochhalter. “This year’s conference will be fun to watch. Section 8AA is one of the most competitive sections in the state. Alexandria, Willmar and Rocori, with Perham joining the mix, are all excellent programs and our girls will have their work cut out for them to battle into that group.”
The boys’ saw Nolan Peterson, Berg Swanson, Riley Wagner and Payton Gessford graduate from the 2022 team.
They bring back seniors Throck Lehman, Nick Meyers, Landon Runge and Tommy Wilmesmeier from the 2022 team. New prospects include Senior Karl Franson, freshmen Carson Bumgarner, Keaton Dummer, Thomas Dutcher, Kyle Jahner, Donovan Rousu and Matty Soderholm.
“This will be a rebuilding year for the boys with a nice runner from each grade level,” said Coach Hochhalter. We have 26 runners on the roster and a group of runners that have put some miles on during the summer months. It will be exciting to see the result of their efforts. The CLC competition will be a battle. Fergus Falls, Alexandria, Rocori and Sartell will be in the fight. In Section 8AA, Alexandria, Rocori, Fergus Falls and Willmar, along with new section member, Perham, will be the top teams.”