Local cross-country teams prepare for promising 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 10:31 PM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
BasketballSouthwest Missouri's cross-country teams are gearing up for the 2026 season, with notable talent returning. The Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Cavaliers, last year's state runners-up, are set to return all top six finishers, including Will Twiss. The McAuley Warriors, who finished third in Class 2, will also bring back key runners, led by Will Mollnow and Gavin Anderson. Both teams aim to build on last year's performances, supported by returning senior athletes. The Class 5 ranks will see changes but still hold strong competitive promise as schools like Webb City and Joplin aim to fill gaps left by graduated runners. Preparations are underway as athletes begin their training for the upcoming season, expected to showcase strong regional talent.
- •Thomas Jefferson returns all top six boys from last year.
- •Will Twiss led the Cavaliers with a seventh-place finish.
- •McAuley aims to fill loss of Trae Veer, eighth at state.
- •Both girls' teams also return key runners from last season.
- •Class 5 competitors will face gaps from graduated athletes.
- 10:31 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 full of promise for area cross-country teams
"For the past few years, Southwest Missouri has been a hotbed for cross-country talent, with 2026 promising to live up to the high bar set by local teams, particularly in Class 2. Leading the list are last year’s second- and third-place boys teams in Class 2, the Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Cavaliers, who finished 3 points shy of a state title, and the McAuley Warriors, who finished ...
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