* Jack McGovern (1994) is one of the top returners in Missouri and one of the best underclassmen to watch this fall
Photo Credit: Chris Auckley/MileSplit Missouri
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It's finally here!
After months of anticipation, the 2025 high school cross country season is officially in full swing, and the times are already super quick.
While the experienced contenders continue to do what they've done throughout their careers, a contingent of underclassmen is already making some noise after just their first race of the year.
Check out these four athletes who are on their way to being future stars!
MILESPLIT MILESPLIT:
MADISON LANGE
Cherokee Trail (Colo.)
Class of 2029
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In the first race of her Cherokee Trail career, Lange made her presence known at the Cherry Creek Steve Lohman Invitational, finishing seven seconds back of senior Emry Schwalm (Heritage). Lange clocked 17:21.50, making her the fastest freshman in state history. Lange took down Cherry Creek standout Emily Cohen's record of 17:26.4 from 2022, also beating her head-to-head over the weekend by four seconds.
QUENTON LANESE
Olympia (Wash.)
Class of 2029
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The true freshman had a successful high school debut, finishing third overall at The Ultimook Race in Tilamook, Oregon. Crossing the line all on his own in 15:31.4, Lanese was 11 seconds back from the runner-up but nearly 45 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. Lanese was also the top freshman finisher, running over two minutes faster than the next newcomer.
CALI GABRIELSON
Mt. Sinai (N.Y.)
Class of 2028
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Welcome back to the show! Making her debut at the Peconic Invitational in Hamptons Bay, New York, Gabrielson won by 55 seconds as she comfortably navigated the 5k course. The sophomore stopped the clock at 17:06.70, her first-ever sub-18 performance and a near-90-second improvement. Her jump shouldn't come as a surprise, considering she ran 4:37 and 9:41 for 1500m and 3000m this past spring.
JACK MCGOVERN
Rockhurst (Mo.)
Class of 2028
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The Rockhurst sophomore opened up his second high school cross country campaign at the Todd Warner Kickoff Classic. McGovern finished runner-up in 15:18.7, 56 seconds faster than what he ran at this exact meet a year ago as a freshman. One of the top returners in Missouri, McGovern is already within a second of his lifetime PB. The sophomore is just a few months removed from a stellar freshman season where he ran 4:15 and 9:14 for 1600m and 3200m.