LHS Cross Country team looks to build on last season’s success

The Lennox High School cross country teams are ready to hit the trails this fall, aiming to build on last year’s success when both the boys and girls squads qualified for the State Meet. The girls finished as state runner-up while the boys placed seventh.

Head coach Mike Oltmanns, who enters his 38th season leading the program, said he is optimistic about the group. He’s joined again by longtime assistant Paul McVey. 

“He is just like having another head coach with all his experience,” Oltmanns said.

The Orioles will look to replace a talented group of graduates, including Kelsey Schmidt, Jenna Duncan, Gracie Postma, Caleb Ellwein, Maverick Horst, Chett Jibben, Noah Sayler, Cade Sherard, and Jack Aasheim. But a strong core of returning letterwinners and a promising crop of younger athletes give the team plenty of momentum.

On the boys’ side, returners include Cloy McVey, Landon Strasser, Leo Aesoph, Isaak Booker, and Jackson Schmidt. The girls bring back Adie McVey, Sophia Johnson, Natalie Aesoph, Allison Loewe, Kamille Schmidt, and Lucy Carlson.

“Our team strength is that we have a good group of young runners coming up to build depth,” Oltmanns said. “We have a really special group of athletes and will be working hard to accomplish our goals. We also have a good group of leaders coming back from last year’s State Meet.”

Among those leaders is senior Cloy McVey, who Oltmanns said is expected to be one of the state’s top runners. “Cloy had a great cross country season last year and a great track season,” Oltmanns noted. 

On the girls’ side, Adie McVey and Natalie Aesoph both medaled in the top 20 at last year’s State Meet, while returners Sophia Johnson, Allison Loewe, Lucy Carlson, and Kamille Schmidt are young talent that finished high up at State. 

As for competition, Oltmanns expects the usual conference and regional powers to challenge Lennox. 

“Teams to watch will be Sioux Falls Christian, Dakota Valley, Vermillion, Canton, and many of the teams in our conference,” he said. “We are looking to improve with each meet and looking forward to qualifying for the State Meet.”

The season begins next Thursday, Aug. 28 when the team competes in the Watchdog Opener at Beresford at 10 a.m.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the team will compete in the Dakota Valley Invitational at Adams Nature Center. Other highlights on the schedule include the Augie Twilight in Sioux Falls on Sept. 5, the Nike Heartland Preview on Sept. 13, and the Conference Tournament on Oct. 9 in Canton. The Region 3A Meet will be held Oct. 16 in Parkston.

With experience, leadership, and depth, the Orioles are set for another memorable fall.

The 2025 LHS Cross Country roster is as follows: 

Boys—Cade Aasheim, 11; Lance Aasheim, 9; Leo Aesoph, 10; Charlie Bittner, 9; Isaak Booker, 10; Cade DeWolf, 11; Gage Ebbeson, 7; Karson Iken, 12; Duncan Johnson, 11; Sawyer Johnson, 7; Quinten Lunt, 9; Cloy McVey, 12; Isaiah Sayler, 11; Jackson Schmidt, 10; Greyson Seeman, 8; Landon Strasser, 9; Nolan Vietor, 7

Girls—Natalie Aesoph, 9; Lucy Carlson, 9; Kaydence Gerry, 10; Kensi Holland, 8; Sophia Johnson, 8; Lily Kuiken, 8; Allison Loewe, 9; Adie McVey, 9; Adalynn Nielson, 8; Kamille Schmidt, 9; Harper Walsh, 9; Sophie Wood, 8