---

The Chisago Lakes girls cross country team wrapped up an outstanding 2025 season by finishing 12th overall in the Class AA field at the state cross country meet on Saturday, November 1, at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights.

Running against some of the state’s top programs and hundreds of the best prep runners in Minnesota, the Wildcats proved once again they belong among the state’s elite. The course was lined with parents, classmates, and fans from across the county cheering them on, and the team responded with one of its most balanced performances of the season. Chisago Lakes tallied 300 team points, tying with St. Paul Academy for 12th place in the 16-team field.

Sophomore Annika Hall once again led the charge for the Wildcats, earning All-State honors with a 12th-place finish in 18:51.9. Hall stayed with the lead pack early and held strong over the final hill to secure her first top-15 finish at state.

Freshman Kara Hall was the next Wildcat across, clocking 20:26.7 for 88th place — an impressive showing in her state debut. Senior Lauren Kowarsch provided steady veteran leadership, finishing 116th in 21:17.4, while freshmen Mataya Malek (131st, 21:46.8) and Averiana Gellerman (133rd, 21:51.8) rounded out the team’s scoring five.

Sophomore McKaylie Malek added depth with a 136th-place finish (22:06.3), and sophomore Arianna Husfeldt crossed in 147th (22:51.5) to close out the Chisago Lakes lineup.

Minneapolis Southwest claimed the Class AA team title with 38 points, followed by Perham (52) and Northfield (110). St. Peter senior Keira Friedrich was the individual champion in 18:03.0, just ahead of Simley freshman Annaleigh Schwab (18:22.7).

For Chisago Lakes, the weekend was about far more than numbers. The Wildcats showed steady improvement throughout the fall, displayed teamwork and toughness across all grades, and continued a streak of state-meet appearances under the new Section 4AA alignment.

With both Halls and several underclass runners returning next fall, the future certainly looks bright for the Wildcats.

Boys

Junior Remy Larsen represented the Chisago Lakes boys at state and made the most of his debut, finishing 64th in 16:45.7. His strong finish capped a season of major progress and set a solid foundation for 2026.

---