Tigers XC pounces back into action

2022 Results: Madison Stille 111th at State Cross Country

Head Coach: Mike Olson

Last season’s senior-laden South Hardin cross country program kept up well in a competitive NICL conference, yet it would be Madison Stille in her first year running to qualify for State in Fort Dodge. Both teams graduated several seniors each and leadership coach Mike Olson had come to trust.

“We had a great group on both sides who had run for many years with me through middle and high school,” Olson said. “We saw a lot of growth out of the guys as the season went on and those seniors girls really stuck with us through some rough years. We thought we might have a shot of qualifying as a team in 1A on our home course, but it didn’t come together.”

Madison Stille returns as a senior alongside sister Alyssa, who missed a majority of last season due to injury. Sophomore Mya Wilaby was two places away from qualifying for State alongside Madison Stille and both have had strong summers according to Wilaby. Senior Elizabeth Daleske returns a three-year letterwinner. The Tigers will add freshman Makana Ayers and Jade Below to the team this season. 

“I’m looking at Madison and Mya to be ready to roll from the first gun of the year,” Olson said. “Elizabeth has been running with this program since middle school and we’re expecting good development out of her. Alyssa had a frustrating junior year, but hopefully she can stay healthy and push up the middle of the pack. We hope our new additions to the team can progress over the season and see their times drop.” 

Juniors Hayden Starr, Gavin Runyon and sophomore Collin Burk were three of the top four runners for the boys team last season, with top runner Colton McDonald graduated. The Tigers got a boost in numbers from incoming senior Josh Lozano, sophomore Max Dewhurst, freshman Viet Nguyen and freshman Jonah Vander Hilt. 

“As juniors Hayden and Gavin have been through the wringer with us,” Olson said. “We’re looking for more confidence from Collin. These guys had an excellent summer. These freshman guys need more experience to see what racing cross country at the high school is about, but they will come along. We’re also hope Josh and Max can figure things out in their first seasons and help us compete.”

 As a longtime coach for South Hardin cross country, Olson has seen the NICL conference turn into one of the strongest for the sport year in and year out. Denver, Grundy Center and Jesup jump to mind first for him and placing in the conference meet is harder than qualifying for Class 1A State in his opinion. 

“I want to see this team improve from day one to the end of the season as individuals and working together as a team,” Olson said. “Our goal is to finish in the middle or upper half of our meets this season. Getting someone to State each year keeps the enthusiasm going. It’s a tough goal, but nice to see an individual or team down in Fort Dodge.” 

South Hardin Cross Country will open their season with a meet in Hampton hosted by Iowa Falls-Alden/AGWSR on Thursday, Aug. 24.