The Jag
By Addison Coffey
Reporter
As the 2025–26 cross-country season comes to a close, Blue Springs South High School’s girls cross-country team makes their way to state and leaves with victory. The boys left state finishing fourth place – the best result in school history. Under leadership of longtime coach Ryan Unruh, both the boys and girls squads have reached new expectations, setting new standards for the program.
“State went well. To get 2 different teams on the podium (top 4) and bring home state trophies, with the girls winning the championship was great,” Unruh said.
On the girls side, Ashlynn Wahrenbrock led the team with a 6th place finish in 18:44.9, helping secure the championship.
Besides WahrenBrock, more girls lead the way for the team. Emma Price, who claimed 26th place with a time of 19:16.1. Close behind, Molly Hayes secured 32nd in 19:20.3, followed by Jayda Bailey in 36th with 19:33. Finishing the scoring was Anna Sunberg, finishing 92nd in 20:37.0, contributing to a strong overall performance.
Coach Unruh, now in his 21st year of coaching cross-country, reflected on the team and how they work together.
“We train together, we travel together, we constantly emphasize the philosophy of you get what you give,” he said. “This sport is so much more gratifying when you do it together.”
Unruh emphasized how rare this season’s achievement was.
“Taking both teams to State and having both competing at such a high level was so incredible. To be able to stand with both on the podium is incredibly rare in our sport. I don’t even remember the last time it’s been done.”
Among the standout boys performances at state was junior Wesley Morris, who finished 26th overall in 15:55.9.
“Wesley was probably the most unexpected. He’s made such dramatic improvements since state last year. To go from finishing 146th in 2023 and 111th in 2024 to 26th in 2025 is remarkable,” Unruh said.
Other top finishers include: Aizak Miller in 33rd place with a 16:9.1 time; Caden Scalfaro in 36th place with 16:12.0, Klayton Hayes in 39th place with 16:15, Burke Schwentker in 53rd place with 16:23.9, and Kendrick Haines in 64th place with 16:38.2
Senior runner Kendrick Haines shared how meaningful the state race was for him personally.
“What was special for me personally about state this year was the fact that I waited 5 years for that race,” he said. “I knew we were going to be good since middle school, so it meant everything to me.”
Besides state, one meet stood out above the rest for Haines: the Chili Pepper Cross-Country Festival at the University of Arkansas. The Chili Pepper Cross Country Festival is one of the premier cross country events in the United States, drawing thousands of athletes and spectators each year.
“My favorite meet is Chili Pepper at Arkansas University,” Haines said. “I got to stay the night with my teammates, and we won the meet—making it probably the best win in team history.”
That overnight trip wasn’t just about the win. It became a turning point in the season, allowing the team to bond more deeply and creating an impact that will be remembered for years to come, says Unruh.
Unruh emphasized the values that drive the team’s success, not just athletic performance, but character and attitude.
“We encourage kids to run for each other, be tough, and make really good decisions during races,” he said. “We don’t judge ourselves by times or places. Prepare, do your best, and compete for each other and the results will take care of themselves.”
Junior Lucy Dreher explained that further, describing the team’s environment as uplifting and supportive.
“The best part of being on the cross-country team is the community,” she explained. “The team environment is so contagious that everyone is lifting each other up. Everyone wants what’s best for everyone else.”
She added that shared experiences make the team even stronger.
“Everyone is going through the same thing,” she said. “Everyone knows what it’s like to struggle in a race, so we can all relate to that.”
But cross-country isn’t just about physical pain, it’s also a mental challenge. Dreher opened up about her personal struggles and growth throughout the season.
“I struggled a lot with a really rough mindset and getting sick at the end of races,” she said. “This year I’ve been working on my mindset to help that not happen.”
Sophomore Kim Chandler also shared how the team’s support helped her improve mentally and physically.
“Having my teammates by my side helped a lot,” Chandler said. “They all push each other to become better every day.”
Unruh went further with that statement, calling this season one of his most memorable.
“It’s my favorite year. We have such great seniors and had so much fun this year. Its been such a memorable year.”
Unruh’s philosophy is clear: success comes from preparation, teamwork, and heart.
“Every ‘loss’ is a potential for growth and lessons to be learned. We reflect, learn, and move on and get better following disappointments.”
And even as the team prepares to say goodbye to graduating seniors, Unruh remains optimistic.
“Just that anything is possible,” he stated. “We lose some great seniors but we have a group coming back that knows what it takes to win and is willing to put in the work to meet those goals.”
