The McPherson Bullpup cross country teams are ready to run again in 2026. The boys squad lost some key runners, but has a good group back to attack the new season. The girls squad has a top ten state finisher returning to lead a group of five runners this season.
The McPherson boys finished fifth place overall at the 4A State meet in 2025 due in large part to a state championship finish from Caleb Muehler for the third consecutive season. Muehler has graduated and is now running at the NCAA DI level for the University of South Dakota. Kayden Friesen also graduated after finishing 30th at state among more than 100 runners a season ago. Despite the losses, McPherson does have four runners back that were part of the state qualifying team. Junior Tripp Pelzel finished in 31st last season and sophomore Nathan Friesen opened his high school career with a 53rd place finish at state. Senior Jonas Emery and sophomore Isaiah Ortiz also return this season.
In all, the Bullpups have 13 runners on the boys roster in 2026.
On the girls side, Adeline Kramer is back as a sophomore after finishing 10th in the 4A state meet as a freshman. She placed fourth at the regional meet last season and established herself as one of the top young runners at the high school level across the state. Another runner to watch for the McPherson girls cross country team this season is Kamryn Prescott, another sophomore.
McPherson is set to open their season today at the Great Bend Invite at the Lake Barton XC Course at 9:00 a.m.
