Plainsmen Cross Country runners ready to blaze trails: 2025 season has begun
By Emmalee Parsley Stevens
Grant Tribune Sentinel
Perkins County Cross Country is in full swing for their 2025 season. Plainsmen runners have been practicing for just over a week, however, most of them participated in the Summer Run Club, which had a great number of students as well as community members participate during the 2025 summer.
Head Coach Tristen Stepehnsen is excited about the number of runners on the team this year, especially the girls team. “Similar to the numbers from the summer run club, the team is one of the largest it has been in years, particularly with a larger team of girls. All of these kids make me excited for this season; they work hard, have good attitudes, and have fun together,” he said. Freshman participating this year are Leigton Fryzek on the boys team and Mayrin Castillo and Alyssa Laber on the girls team. Sophomores running this year are Micah Hatcher, Miles Knapp, and Jesus Marquez on the boys team and Hanna Colglazier on the girls team. Juniors on the team are Rodolfo Aragon, Logan Barry, Elijah Goodell and Ethan Swesey on the boys team, and Haylea McGreeer, Savannah Miller, and Madison Potts on the girls team. Seniors on the team are Gavin Kohmetscher , Cooper Kroeker, and Trevyn Tucker on the boys team and Hannah Bishop, Brenna Colglazier and Madi Swesey on the girls team. Also joining the team is Nathan Kemling as an assistant coach and Andrew Swesey as a student manager.
With the participation, comes new talent. Freshman participants will adjust from a 3 kilometer distance to a 5 kilometer distance. However, Stephenson is not worried. He said, “I would not be surprised to have quality freshmen runners.” New Lady Plainsmen, joining the team, excelled during the 2025 track season and will benefit the Cross Country Team as well.
Stephenson’s biggest goals are to keep the runners healthy and to keep them motivated to run. He believes that they have a good chance to qualify for the state level. “There is a lot of momentum right now with returning runners coming off of last school year’s successful cross country and track seasons. The state championship races are a long way out, but I think we have a fighting chance of qualifying both the girls’ and boys’ teams,” said Stephenson. On top of the athleticism this year, students have a great sense of community and teamwork. Team members also have great work ethic and determination. “There is no shortage of work ethic this year,” said Stephenson.
The 2025 Cross Country team is sure to be successful this year with strong and determined athletes, however the support of the community also plays a large part in the season. “The community is a great support, so thank you to everyone who cheers on these kids during the season. I also want to give a shout-out to Mr. Nathan Kemling for stepping up and helping me coach cross country this year. It will be a good one!” says Stephenson.
To keep updated on the season you can go to preprunningnerd.com or follow them on facebook. The first meet will be held on Thursday September 4, at Rivers Edge Golf Course in North Platte.
The Cross Country Schedule is as follows:
Sept 4 4 pm No. Platte
Sept 11 9 am Imperial Country Club
Sept 18 4 pm McCook
Sept 25 3 pm Ogallala
Sept 29 11 am Kearney
Oct 9 3 pm Pheasant Run
Oct 16 6 pm Districts
Oct 24 6 pm State (Kearney)