Posted: Aug 29, 2025

Bright future on display at opening meet of season

INDIANOLA, Iowa - The freshman class wasted no time putting their mark on the Storm cross country program, pacing Simpson to a dominating victory at the Bill Buxton Invitational on Friday.

Ava French led the way for the Storm, posting a sub-17 minute mark on the 4k race, while Simpson took all seven of the top spots on the leaderboard. Top returner Kate Huisinga placed third on the team despite besting her time from last year's invite by 1:17 minutes. Five of the top seven finishers for Simpson are of freshman standing.

"It was a fun night opening on the home course," said head coach Heath Moenck. "Ava French was terrific in her first cross country meet for us. We have lots of new faces this year, and it was a lot of fun watching them open up their careers on a high note."

TEAM STANDINGS

1. Simpson - 15 points
2. Graceland - 50 points

TOP FINISHERS

1. Ava French - 16:55.1
2. Kalia Stover - 17:12.9
3. Kate Huisinga - 17:20.8
4. Emma Miller - 17:34.8
5. Lola Mendlik - 17.38.2
6. Elie Tuhn - 17:47.9
7. Hailey Egbert - 17:47.9