November 1, 2025 | Linn Athletic Complex, Linn, MO-Palmyra’s cross country team put in a determined showing at the MSHSAA Class 2 – District 3 meet on Saturday, with one standout performance earning a spot at the state meet. Running against a strong field at the Linn Athletic Complex, Audrey Reid secured a 25th-place finish in 22:56.00, safely within the top 30 and punching her ticket to next weekend’s Class 2 State Championships at Gans Creek in Columbia.
Reid ran a composed and confident race, holding her position throughout the 5K and delivering a strong closing stretch. Her effort capped off a season of steady improvement and puts her on track to challenge for a personal best at state.
Close behind Reid, teammates Delaina Meyer (36th, 23:52.10) and Leah Pontius (39th, 23:56.00) ran nearly stride-for-stride, each turning in one of their strongest efforts of the season. Maggie Hicks followed in 62nd with a time of 25:17.90, and Adeline Knochel (93rd, 29:13.40) and Lillian Cramlet (96th, 29:33.70) rounded out the team’s performance. Though the team didn’t qualify for state, the group showed depth and competitiveness that points toward growth in seasons to come.
In the boys’ race, Trigg Heimer led the way for Palmyra with a 46th-place finish in 19:37.90. He was followed closely by Wesley Summers (51st, 19:45.00) and Jacob Summers (53rd, 19:49.00), with all three finishing within a tight 12-second window. Jackson Marquardt (83rd), Ryken Hedgpeth (85th), Blake Rife (95th), and Ashton Lovegreen (114th) all put in gritty efforts over the challenging course, closing out the season with pride and determination.
With Audrey Reid advancing to Columbia, Palmyra will have representation at the state level once again. She’ll take on the top runners in Missouri next Saturday, November 8, at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course — a venue known for fast times and thrilling finishes. It’s one more opportunity to race hard, chase goals, and represent the Panthers with pride.
