Oskaloosa Middle School Cross Country Team Celebrates Season with 73 Personal Records and Multiple Championships
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Middle School cross country team wrapped up its 2026 season on Monday, October 19th, celebrating a year with 73 personal records, several team championships, and many individual awards.
The team gathered for a pizza party to celebrate the season’s end, thanks to the Oskaloosa Indian Booster Club for providing the pizza.
Coach Betsy Luck shared that the Indians set 73 personal-best times during six regular-season meets and at the state competition, where 13 runners represented Oskaloosa.
The Indians also won several team championships this season. The girls took first place at the Mount Pleasant meet, the boys won at Van Buren, and both teams finished first at Chariton.
Runners Recognized for Dedication
Fourteen athletes earned the Iron Man/Woman Award for having perfect attendance all season.
Recognized athletes included Savannah Appleget, Levi Barclay, Brielle Boender, Alaina Burgey, Ryan Comfort, Grant Denburger, Boston Henry, Lauryn Koehler, Lydia Netland, Matthew Rosvold, Chessa San, Griffin Stock, Joseph Wilke, and Tayven Wyatt.
Two runners were recognized for their dedication to summer training.
Ryan Comfort and Douglas Lappin earned the Summer Mile Club Award by each running over 100 miles during the summer.
The Bring the Hammer Awards were given to Kinnick Reisetter, Chessa San, Lydia Netland, Matthew Rosvold, Douglas Lappin, Tayven Wyatt, Mariah Mackerl, and Brielle Boender.
Building for the Future
The season ended with a strong performance at the statewide middle school cross country championships in Ankeny, where all 13 Oskaloosa runners set personal-best times.
The girls finished seventh out of 13 teams, and the boys placed 13th out of 21 teams.
Coach Luck and her staff highlighted the athletes’ growth and determination throughout the season.
The coaches hope that, beyond race times and championships, runners will take the lessons they learned in cross country into other areas of their lives.
Throughout the year, the team focused on the idea that hard work, preparation, and determination can help overcome tough challenges.
