Cross Country Teams Wrap Up Season at Sectionals

The Whippets capped their 2025 campaign on a high note Friday evening, October 24, at the WIAA Sectional Meet in Cambridge. In what many would consider perfect fall racing conditions — 52 degrees, sunny, calm, and on a fast, runner-friendly course — the team delivered its best collective effort of the season. The rolling, wooded trails of Cam Rock Park produced season-bests for many and lifetime bests for others.

Boys’ Recap
Freshman Tyler Carollo once again led the Whippets, finishing 42nd in 17:57 in his first postseason race. The pack of the team’s 2–5 runners ran together deep into the race. Wyatt Esch emerged as the No. 2 runner, placing 76th in 19:12. Seniors Quinton O’Toole and Isaiah Mendez went head-to-head one final time, crossing nearly together — Quinton 82nd in 19:33.1 and Isaiah 83rd in 19:33.8. Marcus Roselle battled to 85th in 19:35.

Sam Nickelsburg turned in the race of his life with a 94th-place finish in 21:31. Angel Kilar rounded out the lineup in 95th with a time of 21:49. The boys placed 14th overall.

Girls’ Recap
As she has all season, Virginia Nelson led the girls’ squad and matched Tyler’s team placing — 42nd — finishing in 21:17. Melody Smith, racing in spikes for the first time, dropped a significant chunk of time to place 66th in 22:13. Ema Aranda surged late, passing numerous runners en route to 68th in 22:19. Senior Delaney Hammack ran strong and steady to finish 75th in 22:49.

Running together for much of the race, Peyton Comfort placed 88th in 24:28, senior Payton Brautigam closed her career with a lifetime PR of 24:38 for 90th, and Madelyn Taylor, filling in as the alternate, finished 91st in 24:53. The girls placed 13th out of 15 teams.