Mitchell Christian Sweeps Cross Country Titles in S.D.

Mitchell Christian's cross country teams didn't just win at Wednesday's Parker/Marion meet. They absolutely dominated, sweeping both team titles and claiming the top three spots in the boys race.

Senior Laura Nemec led the girls team to victory with a winning time of 21:19.85 in the 5,000-meter race. Her performance helped Mitchell Christian score just nine points to take first place, well ahead of Arlington's 17 points.

The boys team put on an even more impressive show. Silas Holdeman crossed the finish line first at 16:54.66, but he didn't celebrate alone.

Teammate Luke Mentele finished 23 seconds behind him in second place. Sawyer Holdeman secured third, giving Mitchell Christian a complete 1-2-3 podium sweep.

That kind of depth is what championships are built on. The Golden Eagles scored just six points in the team competition, crushing Arlington's 24 points and McCrossan's 27.

Why This Inspires

High school sports often celebrate individual stars, but Mitchell Christian's meet shows the power of team culture. When three runners from the same program finish first, second, and third, it's not just about talent.

It speaks to countless early morning practices, teammates pushing each other through tough workouts, and a coaching staff that builds depth across the entire roster. These young athletes are learning lessons about supporting each other that will matter long after their racing days end.

Luke Atnip rounded out the boys scoring in fifth place, while Lerae DeLine grabbed third for the girls team. Every point mattered, and every runner delivered.

The Golden Eagles head to bigger competition Saturday at the Nike Heartland Regional Preview in Sioux Falls. After Wednesday's performance, other teams will be watching them closely.