NLS Wildcats Eye Back‑to‑Back State Crown in Cross Country

When the Wildcats crossed the finish line at the 2025 state meet, the roar of the crowd was still echoing in the locker room weeks later. That victory felt like the culmination of a three‑year rebuild, and now, with a core of seniors still wearing the scarlet and white, the team is quietly confident they can do it again.

Coach Mark Jensen, who took over the program in 2022, says the goal is simple: "Run your own race, stay together, and let the kids' feet do the talking." His philosophy has resonated. Last season the Wildcats posted the fastest team time in the state—118:45—while also stacking the top five individual spots. This year, a handful of those runners—senior captain Lily Hart, who broke the girls’ 5K record last fall, and junior Ethan “Flash” Murphy, a two‑time All‑State honoree—are returning to lead the charge.

But it isn’t just about the star athletes. Freshmen like Maya Patel and sophomore Jake Larson have already logged sub‑20‑minute 5Ks in early meets, suggesting the depth that helped the Wildcats dominate the North Central region will be there when the state championships roll around in early October.

The schedule this month reads like a dress rehearsal for the big day. A Friday night showdown at St. Paul’s Classic pits NLS against rival Westbrook, a meet that historically separates the true contenders from the pretenders. Then, a weekend of invitational races at the River Valley and the historic Pine Ridge course will give the Wildcats a chance to fine‑tune pacing strategies and test their stamina on varied terrain.

Outside of the races, the team’s camaraderie remains its secret weapon. “We eat together, we study together, we even volunteer at the local food bank after practice,” says Hart, chuckling. That sense of community, forged in early‑morning runs through the rolling prairies of western Minnesota, translates into a tight‑knit unit that can push through the inevitable setbacks of a demanding season.

All eyes will be on the Wildcats as the state meet approaches, but if last year’s triumph taught anyone anything, it’s that the Wildcats don’t just chase titles—they chase excellence, one stride at a time.