Humboldt runners will challenge in NCC
Returning letterwinners for the Wildcat girls’ cross country team, front row (l-r): Brynn Malo, Aubry Fisher and Macey Rodgers. Back row: Elsie Stattelman, Alexis Hotovec and Payton Elman. Independent photo. To buy this photo and more, visit our photo gallery at www.humboldtnews.com.
Returning lettermen for the Humboldt boys’ cross country team, from left: Carson Chambers, Graham Bakken, Joel Thurm, Henry Kramer and Isaac Fowler.
Joel Hoogland begins 1st season as head coach
By Phil Monson
Joel Hoogland begins his first year as head coach of the Humboldt High School cross country team with enthusiasm and optimism.
Hoogland, who has spent the last two years as an assistant coach under Spencer Ross, takes over the reins of a Wildcat program which returns 11 letterwinners from last year.
In 2024, the Wildcats girls placed third and the boys were fifth in the North Central Conference meet. They placed ninth and 11th, respectively, in the state qualifying meet with no entries advancing to state.
“The goal for the girls’ team has to be getting down to the state meet in Fort Dodge. It’s only an 11-mile drive so there’s no reason why we can be there,” Hoogland said.
“Defending conference champ Clear Lake brings back five of their top seven, along with Fort Dodge St. Edmond. We bring back four of our top seven. It will be really tight at the top,” Hoogland said. “Webster City brings back everybody so it should be really competitive in the NCC.”
“On the guys’ side, we bring back five letterwinners so we have good experience coming back. Henry Kramer (23rd in NCC, 19:04.29) has really put in a huge summer of miles so I’m looking forward to seeing his improvement,” Hoogland said.
“I’m hoping the guys can improve on last year’s fifth-place conference finish. I’m hoping to see a higher finish on that side,” Hoogland said.
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