Linn closed its regular cross-country season Saturday at the Fatima Blue and Gold Invitational, where three Lady Wildcats recorded season-best or personal-best times despite a challenging course that tested runners ahead of district competition.

Coach Tasha Haslag said the Wildcats welcomed the opportunity to compete close to home, particularly with the postseason approaching. “That big hill is no joke, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge that helps prepare our athletes for what is ahead,” Haslag said. “Cross country is just as much about being mentally tough as it is about being physically prepared, and I was proud of how our runners handled themselves.”

Kylie Messenger led the Lady Wildcats with a 33rd-place finish and a season-best time of 25:02.2, followed by Lily Baker (35, 25:33.2), Charli Lenger (38, 25:44.3), Adalyn Brandt (45, 26:11.5, season best), Allie Hackmann (48, 26:36.9, personal best), and Elyse Brandt (50, 26:45.9).

The Lady Wildcats competed without Enslee Stevenson, who was nursing an injury. The team hopes she will be healthy enough to return for districts.

On the boys’ side, Jackson Hamburg led Linn with a 31st-place finish in 19:49.3, followed by Vince Tschappler (52, 21:26.5), Emmit Mehmert (87, 26:03.3), and Samuel Heckman (90, 26:28.0).

With the regular season complete, Haslag said the Wildcats will focus on preparation, recovery, and confidence as they approach district competition.

“Coach Gibson and I are incredibly proud of the work these kids have put in and the growth we’ve seen from them,” Haslag said. “We’ve had some great moments, some tough races, and a lot of opportunities to learn. Now it’s time to put everything together.”