The Mount Vernon-Lisbon girls cross country team returns all seven athletes that ran at the state meet last fall.

The Mustangs finished second at state with a lineup featuring three freshmen and two sophomores.

“Certainly, on paper, we can try to make a push,” MVL coach Kory Swart said. “I’m cautiously optimistic. But also realistic. Pella (who won 3A) has got something going on over there.

“We need to close that gap.”

MV-L girls didn’t have a top runner, but rather a mix of very strong runners.

Senior Emrie Johnson (20th), sophomore Eastin Whisner (23rd), junior Kiersten Swart (31st), and sophomore Evelyn Moeller (39th) all finished in the Top 40 during the 3A state meet.

“Those four are somewhat interchangeable,” Swart said. “There will be some opportunities for different kids to step up and be our No. 1. They will push each other.

“That has been the strength of our team. You didn’t totally know who was going to be the one. It speaks to the depth we have.”

In addition, the Mustangs added Claire Jensen, who had been in volleyball, previously, but qualified for state track in the 3,000 meters.

“She should give us a boost,” Swart said.

Swart also noted that junior Edith Dawson has made big strides over the summer. And freshman Clara Vavricek could be a varsity contributor.

“Because of all we have coming back, it’ll be a tough team to grab a spot on,” Swart said. “But the competition is great within our team, and that will help us get better.”

Boys

The Mustangs boys’ also have a path to a state title. They return five of the seven runners that ran at the state meet in 2023.

MVL finished eighth at state.

Mount Vernon-Lisbon boys do have a bell cow. Grady Olberding finished 14th in Fort Dodge after winning the WaMaC title by 16 seconds.

And, truth be told, Olberding is still a little upset over his state finish.

“He didn’t have the best state meet,” Swart said. “He was hoping for Top 10, or Top 5. He still earned all-state. He’ll be hungry this year to get in that Top 5, and he’s absolutely capable of it.”

The good news is seven runners who finished higher than him at state have graduated. The bad news is that six have returned, including winner Canaan Dunham of Pella.

And while Olberding is still No. 1, junior Dawson Scheil is getting closer.

“I think that gap has gotten pretty small,” Swart said.

Also back are senior Seamus O’Connor, junior Sawyer Feldman and sophomore Chasen Caskey.

Senior Wesley Sadler had a persistent knee injury, and did not go out this fall. And Feldman is also battling an injury.

“That’s just the way it is,” Swart said. “You have people go through some things. You deal with it and move on.”

Senior Graham Vavricek and sophomore Chasen Caskey emerged during summer workouts. Freshman Daniel Dye also turned some heads.

“Lots of terrific stuff,” Swart said. “It is an exciting time to be coaching. I’m looking forward to what happens this year.”