MARSHALLTOWN — The Webster City Lynx cross country teams opened their 2025 seasons on Thursday night, as they made the trip into Marshall County to compete in the annual Marshalltown Early Bird Invitational at Marshalltown Community College. The Lynx were joined by the host Bobcats, as well as Belle Plain, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center, Newton, North Mahaska, North Polk, Ottumwa, Pella Christian, South Tama and Waterloo East.
Webster City’s boys would place 6th with 140 team points, as freshman Aiden Wardell had the top finish for the Lynx, placing 17th in 19:15.8. Justin Callahan would finish right behind Wardell in 18th at 19:27, as Jack Barner was 23rd in 19:48. Gabe Thumma was 38th in 20:29.1, while Kaleb Draeger rounded out scoring in 44th in 20:46.8. Marshalltown claimed the meet title with 43 points.
In the girls meet, Webster City would place 8th with 189 points, as junior Izzy Grossoehme claimed a top 10 finish by placing 9th in 22:49.1. McKenna Buakham placed 41st in 27:03.5, Haedyn Soesbe placed 45th in 28:32.5, Megan VanDeer was 46th in 29:24.9, as Marlen Saavendra-Mendoza was 48th in 29:43.5 to round out varsity scoring. North Polk claimed the team title with 52 points.
Webster City cross country returns to action on Tuesday, when they host the Lynx Invitational at Links Public Golf Course, beginning at 5 PM.