Wildcats XC Place Two Medalists, Wrap Up Successful Season
- Updated: November 6, 2026
The goal for the Louisburg cross country team was to make it to state and place. They achieved that goal last Saturday.
The team wrapped up their 2026 seasons with an excellent end to the season. The team put together a strong showing at Kansas class 4A state, with individual medal performances and a solid team placement.
The Wildcat boys put together an exceptional postseason run, with a 2nd place finish at regional which qualified them for state. At the state meet, the boys team had an overall finish at 7th place with 191 points, in a highly competitive 4A field. Leading the boys was Denver Schnelle, who earned an individual star medal with a 12-place finish in 17:00:12.
“State was very exciting,” Schnelle said. “It was the perfect running weather outside, and the ground wasn’t muddy from the rain. I got stuck in the middle of the pack at the start of the race, so I had to make up some ground.”
“I was able to catch up to 25th place by mile 1, and I continued to pass more people as the race went on. I’m proud of finishing in 12th place, and I’m excited to come back stronger next year.”
Truman Ellison also delivered a great performance, crossing the finish line in 41st place with a time of 18:01:83 to help secure Louisburg top 10 team rank. This success from the team has proved a season-long dedication from each one of them.
While the girls squad narrowly missed out a full team qualification, their individual stars shined incredibly bright on the state stage. Maddow McGhee delivered an excellent performance, taking on top ten with an 8th place overall with a stellar time of 19:50:26, securing an individual state medal.
“KSHSAA state was amazing,” McGhee said. “I was able to run my race and put my best foot forward while feeling great the entire race. All my teammates that weren’t running were there cheering me on which really helped my overall performance in the end.”
Rounding out the state roster for the girls, Maggie Martin wrapped up a successful season of her own, placing 41st in the state competitive time of 21:30:74.
“This XC season was definitely a great learning experience for me, but it was also a really good season for the whole team,” Martin said. “Everybody was taking huge chunks out of their times, and we became really close as a team. I have never been part of a team as close as we are. Maybe it’s because we all have to go through running 3 miles a day, or maybe it’s because we’re all a little bit crazy, but we always had so much fun at all the practices and team dinners we had.
An important component that helped propel the team forward was the bond that was shared between both boys and girls. The team became really close together and grew together. “The boys did amazing at state getting second, and the girls had a good experience getting 4th,” Martin said. “Even though the girls team didn’t make it to state, they still came to cheer on everybody who did, and that’s what I love so much about XC.
“We start individually, race as a team, and finish as a family. We always show up for each other. XC has changed my life for the better, and I really hope other people decide they want to give it a try too.”
This unforgettable postseason run marks a perfect curtain call for a dedicated group of seniors, who have spent years building Louisburg into a state-caliber program. Ending the season off on a high note for the Wildcats will only raise the expectations for next season.
– Will Leach
