News Summary

The State Cross Country Championships are set for October 31 and November 1 at Lakeside Golf Course and Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge. Top athletes and teams from across Iowa are expected to compete, with rankings showcasing standout runners and teams. The excitement is palpable as runners prepare to chase their state titles. There will also be updates for those unable to attend, ensuring everyone can follow the action of this highly anticipated event.

Get Ready for the Iowa High School State Cross Country Championships in Fort Dodge!

Fort Dodge is buzzing with excitement as the State Cross Country Championships approach! Set for October 31 and November 1, this thrilling event will unfold at the beautiful Lakeside Golf Course and Kennedy Park. Runners from all corners of Iowa will lace up their shoes and take on the course, showcasing their talent and determination.

The Cream of the Crop

In anticipation of this grand event, the Iowa Association of Track Coaches has been hard at work, releasing weekly rankings that highlight the best teams and student-athletes. The buzz is palpable and the competition fierce. Among the most talked-about are the preseason No. 1 individual rankings:

  • Quentin Nauman from Western Dubuque tops the charts in Class 3A.
  • Marissa Ferebee from Pella aims to defend her title as the returning girls state champion in Class 3A.
  • Jaden Merrick of Cedar Falls shines as the top-ranked runner in Class 4A.
  • Piper Messerly from Dallas Center-Grimes holds her own as the top-ranked in Class 4A.
  • Emerson Vokes, the defending state champion from Grundy Center, is the one to watch in Class 2A.
  • Laura Streck from Van Meter sits proudly as the top-ranked in Class 2A.
  • Hayden Thompson from Lake Mills leads the pack in Class 1A.
  • Lili Denton of Council Bluffs St. Albert is not just the top-ranked in Class 1A, but also the returning state champion.

It’s particularly exciting to see Merrick and Streck, who were runners-up in their respective classes last year, come back stronger and ready to reclaim their spot at the top!

Top Teams on the Track

It’s not just individual runners who will be vying for glory; teams are also in the spotlight this weekend. The rankings highlight some of Iowa’s best:

Top-ranked Boys Teams:
  • Cedar Falls leads the way in Class 4A.
  • Gilbert stands strong in Class 3A.
  • Chariton takes the top spot in Class 2A.
  • Lake Mills holds its ground in Class 1A.
Top-ranked Girls Teams:
  • Johnston is ahead in Class 4A.
  • Pella continues its dominance in Class 3A.
  • Mid-Prairie shines in Class 2A.
  • Madrid stands out in Class 1A.

Historic Appearances

Mid-Prairie’s boys are making their fifth consecutive appearance in Fort Dodge, and they’re ranked No. 1 in Class 2A, ready to make waves. Their lineup includes reigning individual Class 2A State Champion Emmett Swartzentruber, currently ranked No. 8, and Preston Yutzy, who is ranked No. 15.

Meanwhile, the Mid-Prairie girls are making their remarkable 10th consecutive appearance in the state event, holding the No. 2 spot in Class 2A. Keep an eye out for talented runners like Brooklyn Stutzman at No. 8 and Rachel Hostetler, ranked No. 18.

Exciting Individual Qualifiers

Beyond the top-ranked teams, many individual qualifiers are also ready to make their mark:

  • Jude Dykstra from WACO conquered the individual State Qualifier Champion title, currently sitting at rank 15 in Class 1A.
  • Kohlby Newsom from Winfield-Mt. Union finished just behind Dykstra, securing his runner-up position at the same qualifier, ranked No. 28.
  • Troy Klett from Sigourney and Marie Yoder from Hillcrest both ranked 11th at Pleasantville, showing remarkable talent.
  • Siena Stanerson of Hillcrest isn’t far behind, sitting at rank 25 in Class 1A.

The Big Day Awaits

This thrilling race day awaits, with teams and individuals competing from Class 1A and 2A on Saturday at Kennedy Park. For those unable to attend, hourly updates will be provided for southeast Iowa teams and athletes, ensuring no one misses out on the action.

So gather your friends and family, and get ready to cheer loudly! The excitement and energy will fill the air as young athletes chase their dreams in Fort Dodge this weekend!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

High School Football Rankings Heat Up as Season Begins
Runners Shine at Richland County Cross Country Championships
Kansas Basketball Intensifies Class of 2026 Recruitment Efforts
Omaha Community Mourns Loss of Young Basketball Star
Countdown to Oregon’s Top 250 High School Football Players for 2025
East Team Wins First Montana High School All-Star Baseball Game
Montana High School All-Star Baseball Classic Takes Off
Twin Falls Bruins Win 5A State Cross Country Championship
Los Angeles Hosts the 2025 High School All-American Game
Las Cruces Celebrates Fall Sports Media Day

Additional Resources