LINN — Saturday’s Class 2, District 3 cross country meet was chilly, but good weather for racing at Linn as the Wildcats’ season came to an end.

“Our teams didn’t quite end the season how we hoped, but I am so proud of them all for pushing themselves and ending their year with heads high and some much-improved times from our Linn Invitational at the beginning of the year,” said Coach Robyn Baker. “We were able to host the meet, and that always adds an extra layer to the entire day. Our parents, alumni, and fans and supporters came through and helped us host a great meet for over 50 schools and 500 runners between Classes 2 and 3.”

The Lady Cats continued to run well as a group, and coaches talked to the girls about moving them up. “If they can keep running through the winter and then commit to summer conditioning together, I think they will see success in the 2026 season,” said Baker.

Kylie Messenger started in the top 30, but unfortunately was not able to maintain that in the second loop of the race, finishing 43rd in 24:00. “Kylie has been working so hard all season, and she knew she would have to have her best race to get out of districts,” said Baker. “Next year, as a senior, I look for her to be a great leader and start even stronger and be ready to race early in the season.”

Genna Haslag was next to cross for Linn, earning 52nd place in 24:30. “Genna wanted to make it back to the state meet, but her racing has just not been as competitive this year, so this would be a tough race,” said Baker. “She pushed herself and had a much-improved time from her race at Linn at the beginning of the season, which was nice to see. I hope she comes out next year with a new appreciation for running and is ready to compete again.”

Charli Lenger (57, 24:52) was also anxious to make it back to the state meet this year, but it just wasn’t meant to be. “She has also improved from the start of the season and will come back next year stronger and conditioned through the summer, ready to run,” Baker noted. “Elyse Brandt (67, 25:28) has been so fun to watch this year, and she has really come into her own as a runner. It was disappointing not to be able to see her continue to run into next week, but I look forward to seeing her be successful in her senior year next year.”

Adalyn Brandt (73, 26:13) has done well as a freshman. “She has pushed her sister just by running with her and has gotten stronger as the season went on,” said Baker. “She will be fun to watch run next season and beyond. Shayla Burnett (89, 28:35) has been dealing with an injury, so this was her first race in almost two weeks. She didn’t end exactly how she wanted to, but I was proud of her for being determined to run this race and see what she could do. She found this year that she has great potential, so I hope she will commit to using that potential next year.”

Emerson Bowser (94, 29:23) ran her last cross country race as a Wildcat and posted her season-best time on her home course. “She has been running since fifth grade, so I was glad to see her go out with a great race, and we wish her the very best in her next adventure,” said Baker.

Linn’s boys’ team is young, and though none made it out, Baker said she’s proud of how far they have come this season. “I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the summer and into next season,” she added. “Jackson Hamburg (71, 20:27) has been such a good runner this season, getting stronger and working to be a leader on the team. He knew it was going to take an amazing race to get out of the district, and though that didn’t happen, he had a good run and I look forward to seeing him be even stronger and faster next year.”

Vince Tschappler (72, 20:28) ran his best race of the season. “He looked comfortable and like he was enjoying the run on the home course,” said Baker. “I know he will be conditioned and ready to run at the start of next season. Reid Baker (87, 21:04) ran his last cross country race as a Wildcat after starting his running career in fourth grade with the Linn Youth Running Team. He has come such a long way, and it has been so fun to watch him improve and be a great team leader. This was a great last race for him, and we are excited to see what he does in his last track season as a Wildcat.” 

Isaiah Franken (107, 22:43) had a nice race. “He looked strong and determined throughout,” said Baker. “With gymnastics, he has really gotten stronger, and he is figuring out how to run with that new strength. I foresee some work over the summer, and we will see some success for him next year. Emmit Mehmert (113, 23:11) has been fun to watch all season. He is willing to work and wants to be successful. This was a really good race for him after a few where he struggled. I can’t wait to see him in the track season and beyond.”

Owen Jaegers (124, 24:07) also ran well after some off races last week. “He will be conditioned for the basketball season, and I am excited to see what he will accomplish next year as a sophomore runner,” said Baker. “Samuel Heckman (134, 26:35) has really done a great job at working hard and pushing himself this season. He came into this race more confident and ready to run. Sam will be a fun one to watch progress in his running career through high school.”