Both Norwalk cross country teams competed in the cold conditions of the 2025 State Cross Country Meet in Fort Dodge on Saturday. The Warrior boys placed 13th in the 4A race with a team score of 238 points, while the girls’ team finished 15th with 338 points.

The Norwalk boys were led in the meet by senior Teegan Kralik, who took 25th place with a time of 16:01. Fellow senior Sam Parker finished in 58th place with a time of 16:27, which was 11 seconds faster than his time at the 2024 State Championships. Sam Buhrow took 65th (16:31). Lane Osterloh (16:41) and Oliver Tice (16:44) took 80th and 86th while Brayden Walderbach finished 91st (16:47). Aksel Beedon placed 108th (17:02). Sam Parker tells KNIA Sports while the race could have gone better for the team, he’s grateful to have competed at the state championships for his final high school race.

“A lot of emotions, four years of running, now it’s over. I don’t really know how I’m feeling right now; it might take a little bit to figure it out. But, definitely some happiness, enjoying the journey, just four years with the guys just having fun, a little bit of sadness that we couldn’t get it done today, but just thankful for the opportunity. So many people would have loved to be in the shoes that I’m in, so I just need to remember that and be thankful for the successes I’ve had.”

Freshman Hannah Schmitz led the way for the Warrior girls, taking 41st with a time of 19:17. Sophomore Olive DeRocher recorded a 68th place finish (19:48) and completing the team scoring for the Norwalk girls was Gabby Drymon in 72nd (19:53). Elizabeth Evans (20:32) and Pearl Brown (20:35) finished 110th and 111th respectively, Grace Wetzeler finished 120th (20:57) and Ava Brungardt finished 123rd (21:12). Senior Pearl Brown tells KNIA Sports qualifying for the state championships as a team is the ultimate reward and a good way to go out.

“This is just so amazing, I’m so excited that this is my last race with this team and that it ended with going to state. This team has given so much to this sport. We’ve all worked together all season to get to this point, so for it to get paid off is just amazing and such a great experience.”