WAYZATA — After cruising to a dominant performance at the Minnesota State Meet, most high school cross country teams were closing the book on their seasons. For the Wayzata Trojans, the journey was just beginning.
On Nov. 9, Wayzata’s girls team traveled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to compete in the Nike Heartland Regional, one of the most competitive qualifying events in the country. Racing in single-digit temperatures with wind chills on a snow- and ice-covered course, the Trojans delivered another decisive victory, outpacing a 26-team field to secure a berth to the national championships.
Senior Maddie Gullickson led the way, winning the regional title in a personal-best time of 16:49. Gullickson was followed closely by Jazleen Malherek-Osorio, who finished in the top 10, while Miley Clark, Alissa Ledman, and Lila Golomb rounded out Wayzata’s scoring five. The Trojans totaled just 50 points, winning the meet by more than 30 points over the second-place team.
The regional victory elevated Wayzata onto the national stage. In the weeks that followed, the Trojans were ranked the No. 1 team in the country by national cross country outlets—an uncommon distinction for a Minnesota program and a reflection of the team’s depth and consistency throughout the season. Wayzata’s boys team also competed strongly at the regional meet, finishing third, but narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to nationals.
That momentum carried into the Nike Cross Nationals on Dec. 6 in Portland, Oregon, where the top 22 teams in the nation faced a soggy, muddy course under classic Pacific Northwest conditions. Despite the challenging terrain and the pressure of national competition, Wayzata once again rose to the occasion.
Gullickson finished seventh overall, anchoring the Trojans’ effort against elite programs from Colorado, New Jersey, and across the country. Malherek-Osorio, Ledman, Golomb, Addison Neitz, and Chloe Kissell each contributed to the team score, as Wayzata edged out Niwot High School of Colorado and Union Catholic of New Jersey to claim the national title. Senior Miley Clark was unable to finish after suffering a medical emergency late in the race but urged her teammates to continue as she received assistance near the finish area.
The championship capped a remarkable, undefeated season and placed the 2025 squad alongside Wayzata’s 2013 team as national champions—cementing the program’s legacy among the nation’s elite.
For Wayzata, a community that takes pride in excellence both in and out of the classroom, the victory represents more than a trophy. It is a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and a season defined by rising to every challenge—no matter the weather, the distance, or the stage.