High school girls’ Cross Country is a fall sport where athletes compete in teams to run a 5-kilometer race on varied terrain, such as grass, trails, and hills. The goal is for each runner to complete the course as quickly as possible, as team scores are determined by the cumulative placement of the team’s top five runners. Cross country emphasizes both individual performance and teamwork, requiring athletes to develop endurance, mental toughness, and a strategic approach to racing. Menomonie Cross Country has had a smooth cycle of talent throughout Head Coach Craig Olson’s tenure.
Last Year’s Success
This close knit group looks to not only recreate success but build on it with last year’s varsity 7 returning plus some new talent. Leading the way is 2024 All-State first team selection Lauren McCalla. She is joined by All-Conference first team runners Bennett Schmitt and Bree Barfknecht. The second team All-Conference athletes are Bella Drake and Addison Shuler. These runners are complimented by previous varsity starters Sara Palmer, Kyah Barnhart, and new addition Lexi Thalacker.
Looking into what translates success from season to season Coach Olson was asked why this team and season can be special. “Everyone has experience- all top 7 returning from track, XC, and the off season. Not only running experience but team experience, training glues a tough team together. Injuries and personal stuff is all shared together. Progression over time of the same girls going for seasons worth of mileage and races brings racing advantage and cultural advantage.”
Summer Training Looking Towards A Bright Season
Cross Country running is all about building up your endurance and getting stronger to handle long races over hills, trails, and different types of terrain. Jumping levels takes running regularly, mixing in faster workouts like sprints and tempo runs, and doing long runs that boost stamina. Hill workouts help runners to get stronger, core and strength exercises keep them from getting hurt. Eat well, sleep enough, and take rest days so their body recovers. Consistency and toughness are key attributes these girls have to separate themselves from teams across the state.
We met with these stellar athletes to find insight into their off season training to understand how this team culture is built. Along with what emotions are created through a team wide grind.
Addison Shuler said “we worked in our groups all summer staying with each other and pushing each other. It helps knowing your team is with you. Everyone working hard upped the competition and encouraged each other to be the best they can.”
“Summer training was all about consistency,” said senior Captain Bennett Schmitt “I loved seeing all of the girls show up and work. That consistency is the key to running. It added to the confidence of us as we knew we put in the work needed to excel. We are stronger because of that work we did in the off season. “
The passion and dedication of the team brought a spotlight and some motivation to this year’s Mustang runners. Talking to these athletes of those shared shortcomings and success brings a bond to the sport not many teams possess. Again, hearing a personal view on these topics allows us to highlight them and give them an opportunity to express shared excitement looking forward to this year’s postseason.
“I think training together and having everyone in different groups brings people together, we’re all close,” said Rylee King. “Other girls putting themselves ahead and everyone trying to beat each other gives us motivation. We’re all working together and doing tough workouts together. It gives me confidence we will all attack the race and how we look at the race. I do everything I can in my race because all the other girls will too.”
“When I started running with them, everyone was great,” said Lexi Thalacker, a new addition to the Menomonie team this year. “Olson said I could contribute to the team. I was so excited, and we all started working very hard in the off season. We did everything we could. Everything we did has started to pay off and we’re excited for conference and sectionals and state. The girls are the nicest people I know at the school. The first week I trained with everyone they treated me like I was a part of the team and it made me so excited. We’ve created a really cool bond”
The sport of Cross Country has been described as fun and inviting due to this rich culture the Lady Mustangs have built. Yet still, the true base of the sport is a grueling five kilometer run that exposes your training and mental toughness against numerous other athletes. Diving deeper into the girls true perspective on not only the sport as a whole but truly running as well.
“I love running because of the people in the sports,” said Bella Drake “At all levels there is improvement from meets or practice. You can see growth over the years. You are competing against yourself. There is a lot of support and positivity in our goals for self improvement. And actually running puts you in a good mindset. You get to talk with your friends for 5 miles.”
“I appreciate the culture coaching of running,” said Kyah Barnhart “It’s positive, we are all happy to see each other. Everyone is excited to be there so we’re best friends. It’s a welcoming environment with a variety of people and athletic ability. There is lots of wiggle room to be yourself in cross country. Running is hard but you’re never alone”
Stellar Season Rundown Up To Now
The team captains of the 2025 MHS team are Sara Palmer & Bennett Schmitt. Setting great examples of what a dedicated athlete looks like, they continue to model that through the team. In a Cross Country regular season the starting lineup consists of 8 varsity runners. Starting spot’s from one through 8 includes: Lauren McCalla(12), Bennett Schmitt(12), Bree Barfknecht(10), Bella Drake(11), Addison Shuler(10), Kyah Barnhart(12), Lexi Thalacker(10), and Sara Palmer(12).
Cross Country is a very competitive sport against other schools and within the team. It would be easy to assume this can stir up raw emotions and add tension among the team. There are eight spots on the regular season varsity squad and seven spots going into postseason races. With these limited spots, training habits and race times prove crucial in working into a varsity position. We asked a few of the Cross Country athletes that have dealt with this crew competition and how they keep morale high within the team.
“Everyone is training together and were tight,” said Kyah Barnhart. “There is a lot of competition but even bigger emotions when we work together. Beating someone or getting beat, everyone still handles the competition well. Everyone is a part of the team and it’s inclusive there is no change. It is a part of the sport and no matter who is running everyone works hard”
“We have friendships with everyone and the whole conference,” said Rylee King, a well-rounded Sophomore familiar with the competition of the sport. “Our team culture overlaps from the past seasons and this season. We are around everyone all year and it creates a strong bond no matter what.”
“I’ve had that competition before with Kyah and Anika,” said senior captain Sara Palmer. “Having to fight 3 of us with 2 spots was very tough. It’s hard to deal with but we all know it’s a fight because we all care but it isn’t personal. We push each other in incredible ways. Every push creates a tough fight that is hard. It’s a part of the sport. It’s just running,”
The team had an outstanding regular season finishing with varsity gold at the Husky Invite, Mustang Relays, Nightfall Classic, and the Old Abe Invite, along with a 13th place finish at the Roy Griak Invitational. The 13th place is a misleading stat considering the Griak was the toughest competition the team faced all year, going head to head against numerous nationally ranked high school teams in the championship division. The contest was a team wide test as much as it was a competition with the level of athletes the girls raced.
Along with the impressive regular season as team, each girl shined through at some point in the form of a personal best this year. Here are the personal best times from the 8 varsity girls throughout the season and where that high point was achieved
Season PR’s
Lauren Mccalla’s best time of the year is 16:52 at Eau Claire Memorial
Bennett Schmitt’s best time of the year is 18:29 at Eau Claire Memorial
Bree Barfknecht’s best time of the year is 19:01 at Eau Claire Memorial
Bella Drake’s best time of the year is 19:08 at Eau Claire Memorial
Addison Schuler’s best time of the year is 19:26 at Eau Claire Memorial
Kyah Barnhart’s best time of the year is 20:33 at Eau Claire Memorial
Lexi Thalacker’s best time of the year is 20:40 at Menomonie High school
Sara Palmer’s best time of the year is 20:56 at Marshfield High school
The Teams High Bar Set For Postseason
With the great team and individual finishes through the 2025 season, the Mustangs stay as a top four division one team in the state of Wisconsin. The ranking is credited by the W.C.C.C.A. (Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association) after week 7 of the High School season. With many eyes on the girls as an ode to their hard work and performances this year, we asked how they deal with the outside noise and rankings as they continue to thrive in a cross country setting.
“We try to ignore the noise because it adds unnecessary stress and pressure,” said Lauren McCalla, Menomonie’s number one runner. “I never worry about rankings, I focus on my training and fun with the team. It’s not brought up a lot, we don’t worry about it even though we know we’re doing good. The true rankings end up at the state meet. We have to focus on training and nutrition and positivity, those are the most important things.”
“I take the talk as flattery and nothing more,” said Bennett Schmitt. “I think it’s awesome to be recognized but I try to not let that get in my head. I need to stay focused and not concern myself in matters that won’t benefit me directly. As a team I think it allows some of us to feel important and that the work we are putting in is being noticed, but still we maintain our humbleness and look for ways to improve.”
A well said quote from the senior captain shows just how deserving this spotlight is towards the girls cross country team. The work was done without any expectations for what it would bring, but their hard work turns heads from all over after their impressive season in hopes of a strong postseason. On the topic of postseason Coach Olson was asked a few questions towards his aspirations for his hard working group of girls as the season comes to a close.
“We want a BRC title and a sectional title,” said Coach Olson. “In a hard fought section we need to run well, and finish strong. After that we will do the best state meet ever for MHS in girls Cross Country by running top four as a team at the state meet after we get a strong finish at sectionals.”
Understanding that Cross Country is a mental battle of a high school sport. We asked Coach Olson where he wants his athletes mind’s at, going into this tough stretch of postseason competition.
“Confident and relaxed,” Coach Olson said. “Doing the same things the girls have done all year. Not pressing into new territory but to be calm and trust the training they have done all year. We need everyone to have good days but that happens from consistency not anything crazy by now.”
BRC Conference Results
The Cross Country girls ran away with the team conference title. The team had a 51 point separation between them and the second place team of Eau Claire Memorial. Overall, a dominating performance put together by the Mustang’s showcasing the compound interest in their training habits and team bond. Leading the pack was Lauren McCalla coming in first place, adding another first team All-Conference award to her resume. Along with teammates Bennett Schmitt and Bree Barfknecht at fourth & fifth place. Bella Drake finished in a strong seventh place, earning her first team All-Conference honors as a junior. Addison Shuler finished tenth overall and earned herself a second team All-Conference award. Kyah Barnhart, the dedicated senior finished twenty third overall to roll into postseason as an All-Conference honorable mention runner.
For this well trained Mustang’s team, this meet was the last practice until the big show starts. As they look to win the section and book a trip to team state. The girls need to bring their A game as they match up against third ranked in division one Bloomer, at this year’s sectional meet. The postseason begins 10/25/25; the Division one sectional will be held at MHS. Come support with a ton of excitement around the Mustang’s goals to make state as a team. And finally, the Division one state tournament will be held in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on 11/1/25. Good luck to the Menomonie Mustang’s cross country team ahead of the sectional meet and all of postseason!
