October 16, 2025

The SV Jags Middle School Cross Country Team put on an impressive performance at the conference meet held on Thursday, October 16, at Sioux Rapids’ Little Sioux Golf and Country Club. Competing against several conference schools, the athletes showcased their determination and skill, with standout performances in both the boys' and girls' races. The runners gave it their all, leaving their mark on their final run of the season.

In the boys' race, Griffin Vote led the team with a remarkable 2nd place finish, crossing the finish line in 13:20. Jayden Christie (14:32), Grant Peterson (14:41), Henry Sandstrom (14:42), and Andrew Wanat (15:49) rounded out the top five for the SV boys’ team. Overall, the boys finished in second place as a team in the Twin Lakes Conference.

On the girls' side, Kenley Spece continued her strong season with a 12th-place finish, clocking a time of 17:16. This helped the girls’ team secure a 4th-place overall finish, their best placement yet. Averie Kitchen (17:43), Nalayna Knuths (18:52), Aleeyah Hoefer (19:43), and Aleah Judson all ran their way into the top 25 females. Adley Davis, placing 28th, commented, “Even though this was my first year, I had a great time. I just love the support that everyone gives and how we are truly a team. We supported each other, and you never felt alone. Throughout the season, I got better and better because I kept pushing myself through everyone’s support.”

The middle school SV Jags team, coached by Danny Lee and Abby Peterson, had several other impressive finishes throughout the meet. In addition to the top individual results, Turner Ahlers and Aleah Judson kept the positivity alive and well, cheering on teammates, being thoughtful and mindful during pre-race workouts, and overall, being quiet but fearless leaders this season. 

When asked about her season, 7th-grader Aleah Judson commented, “I’m so glad I decided to do cross country this year because I think it pushes you to keep improving. It’s not about placing; it’s about improving. I like it because you push your teammates and cheer them on through ups and downs.” Turner Ahlers doubled-down on Judson’s comments. “I think that this cross country season went really well for us as a team. Every day I looked forward to practice because it was always the best part of my day. Even though we didn't win it all, we had a lot of fun building relationships with each other. I am proud of the way that our team encouraged each other in practices and during or after the races. From saying "good job", or "keep it up" to each other on the course, to cheering for each other before or after a race, we are there for each other. We've had a lot of fun together.”

"We had a good season. Our athletes have worked hard, and I hope to see the kids continue to run in their future," said Coach Lee. Peterson added, "All the runners ran extremely well today, and we are so, so proud of our kids. I think Turner Ahlers said it best at our last practice: ‘It’s not just a team, it’s a family.’” 

The Middle School Jags Cross Country Team gave it their all this season, and they’re already looking forward to next season’s celebrations as they tackle new challenges. 

NAME

Twin Lakes Conference Meet

10-16-25

Boys

2 mile

Place

Griffin Vote

0:13:20

2

Jayden Christie

0:14:32

11

Grant Peterson

0:14:41

15

Andrew Wanat

0:15:49

25

Turner Ahlers

0:17:58

42

Henry Sandstrom

0:14:42

16

Brock Peterson

0:16:44

35

Cayl Carlson

0:18:37

48

Jace Skoglund

0:16:25

32

Roman Pace

0:16:10

30

Eli Bird

0:19:47

52

Xavier Cunigan

0:18:36

47

Caleb Schoonover

0:18:30

45

Avery Waugh

0:22:28

56

Dom Paterson

0:18:19

44

2nd place for team standing

57 total runners

Girls

Kenley Spece

0:17:16

12

Aleeyah Hoefer

0:19:23

23

Averie Kitchen

0:17:43

14

Aleah Judson

0:19:49

25

Adley Davis

0:20:12

28

Nalayna Knuths

0:18:52

21

Eevie Bird

0:21:49

36

4th place for team standing

41 total runners