September 10, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Wolverine runners open season at Redfield

Winkelmann, Nelson lead the way

By Caleb Nelson
From left, Paul Kading, Josh Nelson and Cherubim Mercado run in the Wildcat Invite hosted by West Central Valley recently in Redfield.

From left, Paul Kading, Josh Nelson and Cherubim Mercado run in the Wildcat Invite hosted by West Central Valley recently in Redfield. (Dan Dickinson)

Nodaway Valley/OM cross country kicked off its season Thursday, Sept. 4, participating in the Wildcat Invitational hosted by West Central Valley in Redfield.

The boys team finished with three runners within the top 25 of a race that included over 100 runners. Sophomore Gabe Winkelmann led the way, placing fifth with a time of 17:00.59. Luke Kading was 21st in 18:23.43 and Cherubim Mercado 23rd in 18:34.76.

Paul Kading was 28th, finishing in 18:54.00 and Josh Nelson was 32nd, rounding out the scoring runners with a time of 19:10.30.

Creston and NV/OM tied for fourth. Going to the sixth runner’s finish for both teams, the Wolverines won that tie.

Haden Colton (34th, 19:10.96), Everett Ehler (43rd, 20:13.85), Trevyn Colton (49th, 20:33.03), Cael Strode (50th, 20:50.43), Lincoln Van Horn (88th, 24:43.93) and Fynn Thompson (95th, 25:49.37) rounded out the Wolverines’ lineup.

On the boys side, Ankeny Christian placed three runners inside the top 10 while Creston and Saydel both had two in the top 10.

Kaylee Van Horn and teammate Kenzie Lilly run together as the Wolverines opened their cross country season in Redfield.

Kaylee Van Horn and teammate Kenzie Lilly run together as the Wolverines opened their cross country season in Redfield. (Dan Dickinson)

Wolverine freshman Abby Nelson was just outside the top 10, placing 11th with a time of 22:18.73. Junior Kaylee Van Horn was 41st (28:21.77) and freshman Kenzie Lilly 44th (29:36.32).

The Earlham Cardinals were dominate in the girls race with four runners inside the top 10. Interstate 35 and Creston each had two in the top 10.

The Wolverines were scheduled to run Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the Winterset cross country meet at

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson has served as News Editor of the Adair County Free Press and Fontanelle Observer since Oct. 2017. He and his wife Kilee live in Greenfield. In Greenfield and the greater Adair County area, he values the opportunity to tell peoples' stories, enjoys playing guitar, following all levels of sports, and being a part of his local church.