Palmyra Cross Country Ready to Run with Heart, Depth, and Determination
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As the 2025 cross country season begins, Palmyra R-1 High School enters the year not just with fresh legs, but with a fresh spirit — one defined by enthusiasm, hard work, and a growing sense of purpose. Under the guidance of head coach Nichole Harper, the team is bigger, deeper, and more united than ever before.
“The team has a great attitude going into the season,” said Coach Harper. “The athletes are excited and work hard every day.” That energy is bolstered by a large influx of new runners, giving the Panthers a competitive edge they haven’t had in recent years. Among the newcomers are eight freshmen — Trigg Heimer, Ryken Hedgpeth, Jacob Summers, Max Miller, Levi Miller, Jackson Marquardt, Behrett Lorenson, and Parker Murphy — along with five sophomores and one junior adding depth and excitement to the roster.
But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the tone being set early in the season, and that’s where the leadership of Palmyra’s returners is already shining. Seniors Wesley Summers, Ashton Lovegreen, and Lillian Cramlett bring experience and maturity, while sophomores Delaina Meyer, Audrey Reid, Adaline Knochel, Maggie Hicks, and Matthew Salo return with valuable race experience. Among them, Summers, Meyer, and Reid — all state qualifiers last season — are leading by example.
“They’ve set the tone for practice so far,” Harper said. “Their work ethic and leadership are pushing the whole team forward.”
This season marks a significant shift for Palmyra. For the first time in several years, the program will be able to field full teams on both the boys’ and girls’ sides, making team competition at the state level a very real and exciting possibility.
“Our goals are always to compete and be better than we were before,” Harper said. “We want to contend for the conference title and qualify as many individuals for state — but this year, we’re also aiming to qualify full teams for state, which is a big step forward.”
Even in a sport often viewed through an individual lens, Coach Harper has built a culture rooted in unity and support. From shared practices to tie-dye shirt days and team meals, the Panthers cross country team is built on a foundation of togetherness. Their sense of community extends beyond the high school roster, too — the middle school team practices and competes alongside them, allowing upperclassmen to model leadership while fostering a family-like atmosphere that stretches across grade levels.
One of the season’s most anticipated moments will come on familiar ground: the Gans Creek cross country course — the same course where state championships are held. Palmyra is fortunate to race there twice during the regular season, giving the team key experience and a motivating glimpse of what lies ahead.
Of course, the conference meet remains a top priority. “We always look forward to it,” Harper said. “We want to be conference champions.”
And this year, that goal feels especially within reach — not just because of the talent, but because of the chemistry, the leadership, and the belief forming with every mile.
As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: this is a team not just chasing medals, but chasing something deeper — pride in each other, pride in their progress, and pride in wearing “Palmyra” across their chest
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