Posted: Sep 15, 2025
The Cross Country season is officially underway, and our Cougars have hit the ground running with strong performances through the first three weeks of competition. Most recently, both our men’s and women’s teams traveled to Columbia, Missouri, to compete in the Larry Young Invitational, where they showed determination, teamwork, and steady progress.
Men’s Highlights
Our men’s squad has made a powerful statement at the NJCAA Division III level, with multiple athletes breaking into the national rankings:
- 6K Rankings
- One of our Cougar athletes Gavin Vaughn is currently ranked #12 in the nation.
- Harrison Zier has earned a spot at #26 nationally.
- Henry Krussel follows closely behind at #33 in the country.
- 8K Rankings
Every one of our men’s athletes has landed in the Top 80 nationally, showcasing the team’s depth.- Jacob Beckemeyer currently stands at #79 in the country.
This consistency across the roster demonstrates that the Cougars are building a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
Women’s Highlights
The women’s side continues to make history for St. Charles XC:
- Zoe Johnson has been electric this fall, breaking into the Top 20 nationally with her #20 ranking in the 5K. Even more impressive, Zoe now holds the #5 spot on the St. Charles all-time cross country list, adding her name among Cougar greats.
- Natalie Gill has also made her mark, earning the #52 national ranking in the women’s 5K.
Together, Zoe and Natalie are paving the way for another strong season for our women’s squad.
Looking Ahead
As we closed out week three, the Cougars are gaining momentum and confidence. With both teams nationally ranked and individuals climbing higher each week, the program is building toward a promising championship season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Cougars continue to train hard and represent St. Charles with pride!
Go Cougars!