IOWA CITY 

Showcasing their running prowess for the final time this season, the Lions and Lady Lions were defined by strong performances at the 1A District Meet in Iowa City on Oct. 24.

“I wanted to take a moment to highlight the incredible Lion performances, and the dedicated spirit displayed by our athletes during the recent district meet,” Lone Tree cross country head coach Ashley Zaruba said. “Each athlete poured their heart into the race, and it was truly inspiring to witness their hard work and determination pay off.”

Tickets to state were on the line at Kickers Park in Iowa City. The top two teams and the top ten individual runners earned the right to continue their seasons at the state championship meet in Fort Dodge next week.

In the boys race Danville won the team title with a first place score of 73 and coming in as the runner-up with 74 was Van Buren County. Gage Heyne of English Valleys (No. 2 in 1A) placed first in 16:46.

Setting a PR in his final race as a sophomore, Lone Tree’s Brock Nebergall ran a solid race in the face of fierce competition. Battling in a field of 104, Nebergall crossed the finish line in 19:16 to place 31st. 

“Brock put on a strong running performance, showcasing his grit as he maneuvered through a talented boy’s group,” coach Zaruba said. “He showed true determination and held his own, making significant advancements with every stride. It was a fantastic display of what dedication can achieve.”

When it came to the girls race, English Valleys ran away with the team title with an impressive score of 28. Securing the runner-up spot was Danville, ending with a score of 75. Placing first in 20:39 was a freshman out of English Valleys, Anna Luers.

The Lady Lions ended with an overall score of 142 to place 7th in the team standings. Leading the Lone Tree charge was the senior-freshman duo of Vivian Zaruba and Addyson Eiben.

“On the girls’ side, freshman Addyson Eiben has a bright future ahead. During the race, she battled fiercely and continued to make her way up through the pack,” coach Zaruba said. “I can’t help but feel excited about her potential. Addyson had the invaluable guidance from senior Vivian Zaruba, who also ran a solid district race. It was inspiring to watch her push through the challenges and finish strong in her final high school meet.”

It was a battle to see who would finish with the best performance for the Lady Lions at Iowa City and it was so close both Zaruba and Eiben matched each other step for step at the finish. Eiben placed 22nd and Zaruba placed 23rd but both ended with times of 23:26. For Zaruba this was a season best time and for Eiben her time set a new PR.

“Their tireless efforts pushed each other, as they worked together to elevate each other’s performances, crossing the finish line with matching times,” coach Zaruba said about Addyson and Vivian finishing the district meet at the same time. “The synergy they displayed was a testament to their teamwork and preparation throughout the season.”

Following the trend of Lady Lions finishing after each other, the trio of Ava Christofferson (42nd in 25:33), Carlee Sexton (43rd in 25:34), and Jazmine Nino (44th in 25:39) completed the course back-to-back-to-back. The next Lone Tree finish belonged to Abigail Zaruba, placing 53rd in 26:39.   

Having runners of the same team finish so close in proximity to each other speaks to the teamwork and bond the Lady Lions have formed during the season. Their ability to encourage each other while racing has proved to be quite effective for Lone Tree this year.

“I would also like to recognize the remarkable team effort from Ava, Jazmine, Carlee, and Abigail,” coach Zaruba said.

“Throughout the season, they have developed a strong bond, running as a pack to counter opponents and motivate one another during the district race. Their partnership not only benefited them in the race, but it also highlighted the camaraderie and support that make our team so special.”

The final Lady Lion to reach the finish was Evelyn Mueller. Mueller ended her freshman year placing 66th in 31:00.

“Evelyn Mueller had an outstanding performance, finishing with an impressive one-minute personal record, showcasing her growth over the season,” coach Zaruba said.

With no runners qualifying for state, Lone Tree ends its season at Iowa City and will say goodbye to senior Vivian Zaruba in the offseason.

“This is a remarkable group of athletes who have demonstrated commitment, resilience, and a passion for the sport,” coach Zaruba said about her cross country teams. “They have not only accomplished their individual and team goals but have also enjoyed the journey together. I am excited to see what lies ahead for them in the coming years.”

Boys results

1. Gage Heyne, English Valleys, 16:46

31. Brock Nebergall, Lone Tree, 19:16

Girls results

1. Anna Luers, English Valleys, 20:39

22. Addyson Eiben, Lone Tree, 23:26

23. Vivian Zaruba, Lone Tree, 23:26

42. Ava Christofferson, Lone Tree, 25:33

43. Carlee Sexton, Lone Tree, 25:34

44. Jazmine Nino, Lone Tree, 25:39

53. Abigail Zaruba, Lone Tree, 26:39

66. Evelyn Mueller, Lone Tree, 31:00