The Westonka cross country team had a strong showing on Sept. 9 at the Norwood Young America Lions Invitational. With 22 teams in attendance, Westonka finished eighth on the boys side and fourth on the girls side. 

Senior Luke Sunnarborg led the boys varsity with an 18:11, followed closely by junior Brendan Rashleger (18:14) and sophomore Gabe Lundgren (18:31). Juniors Levi Hays (18:50), Jacob Chilson (18:54), Drew Carlson (18:57), and senior Noah Huesmann (19:14) rounded out the varsity effort.

The girls varsity was paced by junior Sophia Engesser, who placed eighth in 19:43. Freshman Hadley Hoag claimed 15th in 20:31, with strong support from sophomore Ella Pozar (21:26) and seventh grader Raelyn Moslander (21:41). For Pozar and Moslander, the meet marked their first varsity finishes for Westonka, an exciting milestone that added depth and promise to the girls’ lineup. Juniors Anna Regenold and Lydia Engesser, both finished at 21:35, with sophomore Elise Hays also contributing to the varsity lineup. 

Westonka’s junior varsity teams impressed as well. Sophomore Cal Pearson placed third in 18:41 to help the JV boys finish second overall. Freshman Eva Savstrom took fourth in 22:31, pushing the JV girls to third place. Middle school runners also shined, with seventh grader Jack Nye running 6:22 and Olivia Petersen finishing fourth in 6:23 to lead the girls to third.

“The Lions Invitational is one of the best and historic meets in the state, and it is always a pleasure and privilege to compete on the course at Baylor Park,” said head coach Butch Humbert. “All six of our teams did well, but our main focus right now is to continue solid training and recovery. Once we’re in race shape, it will all come together.”

Humbert also noted the team has several special opportunities ahead. “Highlights just down the trail for us include a Team Training Session (with Rick Rossier on Sept. 19), our team competing in the Roy Griak Invitational for the first time, and our annual Apple Run practice. We also just wrapped up our annual intra-squad Summer Olympics competition, and will celebrate that too!”