The Westonka White Hawks cross country team wrapped up its 2025 season with a banquet November 2 at the Gillespie Center, just one day after the Minnesota State High School League State Meet at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course in St. Paul.

At the state meet, junior Sophia Engesser capped off her season with an impressive performance in the Class AA girls 5K, finishing 19th overall in 19:04. Head coach Butch Humbert praised Engesser's consistency and dedication, saying, “Sophia ran an amazing race and put an exclamation point on her and our season. She became our first All-State runner since 2011 and produced yet another PR and 5K record for our White Hawks girls program.”

“Among the many great attributes of Sophia, she is so poised, calm, and confident when she toes the line for a race," Humbert added. "She is also smart about pacing. That all comes from all the hard prep work and from her joy of running.” Humbert described Engesser as “the paradigm for the SET acronym we emphasize—Sleep, Eat, Train,” noting her meticulous approach and durability.

At the banquet, coaches and athletes reflected on the team’s perseverance, spirit, and individual growth throughout the fall. Coach of the Year honors went to Mari Engesser for her leadership and unwavering encouragement. The Runner of the Year awards were presented to Sophia Engesser and Brendan Rashleger, recognizing the teammates who led the team in the most races. Engesser finished first for the girls in every meet, demonstrating consistency and leadership from start to finish. On the boys side, Rashleger often set the tone at the front of a remarkably tight pack that defined Westonka this fall. The boys team showcased impressive depth, with four different runners—Rashleger, senior Luke Sunnarborg, sophomore Gabe Lundgren, and freshman Cal Pearson—each finishing as the team’s top runner at different meets, marking the most balanced lineup in recent memory.

Rookies of the Year were Tristan Neve, ‘Liv Peterson, Ella Pozar, Max Shaffer, and Ryan Schmeig. Hawk Spirit Awards went to Jack Nye and Hadley Hoag for embodying leadership and positivity. The Hardest Worker Awards recognized Peter Berg, Levi Hays, and Sophia Engesser for their determination and daily focus in practice. The Danny Diaz Awards, named after the inspiring teammate from McFarland, USA, went to Aidan Huesmann and Rae Moslander for always stepping up for the team.

Other honorees included Kellen Mueller, Campbell Hoag, and Deacon Ramthun for the Take It to the Next Level Award; Caroline Rips of Germany as Foreign Exchanger of the Year; and Drew Carlson for the Sportswriter of the Year and Good Guy Award for his contributions to team storytelling and camaraderie.

Also recognized at the banquet were the athletes who excelled at the 22,222-Meter Summer Endurance Challenge, a series of timed segments totaling 13.5 miles in one night. Finishing the challenge were: senior Luke Sunnarborg; juniors Sophia Engesser, Levi Hays, and Jensen Blackstad; sophomore Jacob Chilson; freshman Kellan Mueller; and eighth grader Michael Arnold.

A highlight of the evening was an emotional season wrap-up and senior send-off video, created by senior Noah Huesmann and junior Drew Carlson, which was met with laughter, tears, and applause from teammates and families.

The program also honored its seniors for their leadership, accomplishments, and impact on the team. Gavin Thelen, a five-year letter winner was praised for his smile, quietness, consistency, and cerebral approach to racing, along with his 400-meter speed. Luke Sunnarborg, also a five-year letter winner, was recognized as a multi-sport standout, top student, and calm, steady leader who embodied the team’s “4H” theme - Humble, Honest, Hungry, Habits. Noah Huesmann, a four-year letter winner, was celebrated for his caring spirit, humor, and competitiveness, as well as his creative contributions to team culture—even serving as the team’s DJ. Ava Daum, in her first year with the team, was described as both tender and tough, balancing cross country with her biking season and always bringing strength, positivity, and warmth to every meet. Caroline Rips, the team’s exchange student from Germany, was recognized as a delightful addition whose courage, perseverance, and positive attitude left a lasting mark.

With a promising group of returning runners and several rising underclassmen, Westonka cross country looks ahead to 2026 with optimism and gratitude for another year of growth and memories.