Wildcat girls win Ramsey Invite title, boys finish runner-up

By Andy Brown
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Updated: October 1, 2025

The Louisburg girls cross country team of (from left) Reese Smith, Talen McMurray, Karissa Williamson, Hailey Shelton, Maddox McGhee, Felicity Allen and Annie Hornberger won the Ramsey Invitational last week.

LA CYGNE — It was a dominant showing for the Louisburg cross country teams last Thursday at the Ramsey Invitational, held at Prairie View High School, as the Wildcat girls claimed the team title and the boys brought home a runner-up plaque.

Led by a strong pack of underclassmen and top-10 finishes from four runners, the Louisburg girls captured the team championship with 24 points, outpacing second-place Fort Scott, who finished with 52.

Freshman Karissa Williamson was the individual star of the day, winning the girls race in 21 minutes, 59 seconds. Fellow freshman Maddox McGhee was just steps behind in second place with a time of 22:04, giving the Wildcats a powerful 1-2 punch up front.

“On the girls side, we continue to improve individually which is really helping the team aspect of our sport,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “The girls are working together at the beginning of the race well and then moving when needed to improve our team place.”

Sophomore Hailey Shelton placed fifth in 22:40, and junior Talen McMurray crossed the line eighth in 23:30. Rounding out the team scoring were Reese Smith (13th, 23:50), Felicity Allen (14th, 23:55), and Annie Hornberger (17th, 24:34), giving Louisburg a deep and balanced performance that secured the victory.

The Wildcat boys also made a strong statement, finishing second overall with 35 points, just behind Jayhawk-Linn, who won the meet with 24.

***The Louisburg boys cross country team of (from left) Matthew Lien, August Meyer, Levi Cotter, Truman Ellison, Spencer Mattison and Titus Ellison took second at Prairie View last week.***

“On the boys side, we are also improving individually, and our young runners are gaining experience and momentum as we move towards the end of the season,” Reece said.

Louisburg had four runners place in the top 10, led by Levi Cotter, who finished fourth with a time of 18:53. Truman Ellison (6th, 19:02) and Titus Ellison (7th, 19:05) packed in close behind, while Spencer Mattison rounded out the top 10 with a ninth-place finish in 19:41.

August Meyer placed 18th in 21:41 and Matthew Lien took 26th in 23:21 to complete the team scoring.

It was a successful day for the Wildcat program, with both squads earning hardware and showcasing the depth and potential that could make for an exciting postseason run.

“Even though this is a smaller meet, we performed very well,” Reece said. “Both teams earning a plaque was outstanding.”