In today’s episode of No Cap Recap, we highlight the athletes behind this fall’s biggest moments. From volleyball and golf to cross country, swimming, tennis and football, each team reflects on their season’s standout performances, key lessons, changes to the teams and the goals they’re already setting for next year.
Boys cross country
The boys narrowly missed qualifying for the state meet as a team, finishing sixth overall in a competitive field. Sophomores Jake Weiler and Michael Hanna advanced as individual qualifiers, marking an impressive accomplishment in their second high school season. Hanna went on to place 32nd at the state meet, finishing in 16:05.3 and and Weiler placed 67th, finishing with a time of 16:32.7
Girls tennis
Despite the season shifting from spring to fall, the girls tennis team didn’t let the change slow them down. They finished the regular season 14-3 and carried that momentum through the postseason, ultimately earning a fourth-place finish at the state tournament.
Girls volleyball
The girls volleyball team had an outstanding season, ranking in the top 10 for Class 5A for much of the year and finishing the regular season with an 18-4 record. For the first time in nearly a decade, they advanced to the state tournament, where they fell in a tightly contested quarterfinal match. The new head coach, Jaedynn Evans, was named Coach of the Year in the Mississippi Division.
Boys golf
The boys golf team faced several changes this season, including a new coach and a revised qualifications system that affected which players made varsity and competed in meets. Despite the adjustments, the team performed well throughout the season, highlighted by a first-place finish at their home meet.
Girls cross country
The girls cross country team had an outstanding season, highlighted by a first-place finish at their home meet and another at the Lighted Links XC Race in Ottumwa, where several runners earned individual awards. The team also qualified three runners for the state meet, who were freshmen Adrienne Hodge, Ava Twait and Ellie DeWaard.
Football
The football team had an outstanding season, finishing with an 8-3 record. The season got off to a thrilling start with a win over city rivals City High, breaking a multi-year losing streak and setting the tone for the rest of the year. The team advanced to the second round of the state tournament before falling to Dowling Catholic, capping off a memorable season.
Girls swimming
The girls swimming team had an outstanding season, highlighted by first-place finishes at the Little Hawk Invite and Cougar Invitational. The team earned a second-place ranking in the Marshalltown Division after winning multiple meets throughout the season. Several swimmers and divers qualified for the state meet, including Hannah Geng ’27, Maggie Nguyen ’28, Nora Landon ’29, Gaby Cwierthny ’28 and Rowan Russel ’26. Freshman Nora Landon also placed third in the 50-yard dash at state, helping the team secure a 10th-place finish overall in the state finals.
