The Westminster Wildcats Cross Country program started the season with impressive performances at the Fleet Feet Classic in Arnold City Park on Wednesday night.

The Varsity Boys picked up right where they left off last fall, finishing 2nd out of 23 teams, just six points behind reigning Class 4 state champion Festus (87–93). Junior Cruz Thomas led the way with an historic run, placing 8th in 10:04—the fastest Wildcat time ever on the course by more than 20 seconds. Close behind, a tight scoring pack of Theo DeBoer (24th), Will Koenig (25th), Josiah Bailey (26th), and Lucas Tennant (29th) all crossed within 10:34–10:43, securing medals and sealing the runner-up finish.

The Varsity Girls also showed great progress, placing 11th out of 17 teams. They were led by the Holohan sisters—junior Isabella and freshman Amelia—along with strong support from Audrey Pollack, Schuyler Anthony, and Amelia Mangan. Their 1–5 average of 14:19 marked a 30-second improvement from last season, highlighted by Isabella's 15th-place medal run in 12:27.

The Wildcats' depth was on full display as the JV Boys finished 5th out of 26 teams. Freshman David Waldron led in 12:22, followed by Joseph Galbraith, Chase Larson, Avunker Pieris, and Andrew Schumaker, who combined for a 1–5 average of 12:37—again, 30 seconds faster than last year.

The Wildcats' season debut proved that they are once again among the top teams in the area, setting the stage for an exciting fall.