Men's Cross Country 10/30/2026 9:00:00 AM by Jordan King

Cross country teams set to compete at UMAC championship

WINTHROP, Minn. - MLC men's and women's cross country are set to compete for a conference championship on Saturday at the Winthrop Golf Course.

The men's team reloaded this season with a myriad of new talent, including several instant-impact freshmen as well as transfer Silas Ebeling. Freshmen Logan Korthals, who won UMAC athlete of the week after his first collegiate race, has led the team on several occasions along with classmates Thomas Moldenhauer and Andrew Holz.

"The freshmen on the team have been extremely impressive," coach Mark Weinkauf said. "Their positivity, integrity, diligence and effort are plainly obvious. Logan is leading the way with some of the fastest times I've seen in my years at MLC. Tom has consistently placed in the top 5. Andrew keeps getting stronger. They're poised to have excellent results on Saturday.

"They reported to MLC ready to go, and each of them has been working hard in practice every day. Special thanks to each of their high school coaches."

Ebeling was returning from an offseason injury and has seen his times steadily decline throughout the year, knocking about three minutes off his time from Sept. 1.

Juniors Eliott Heiderich and Levi Schuetze each ran well at last year's UMAC championship. Heiderich finished in eighth and Schuetze was 15th, each earning all-conference honors and both taking leadership roles on this year's team.

"My main message to my team is focus and positivity," Weinkauf said. "What's impressed me about the team as a whole is the extremely positive attitude they've displayed all year. Even after tough practices, they're still excited about the next day. On race days, they've had some irregular starting times which has caused them to modify their prerace routines, and they've kept their focus. The leadership from the athletes on this team is phenomenal."

Over the course of the season, the Knights have finished ahead of each of the other UMAC teams at least once. They outpaced conference-favorite UW-Superior at the Running of the Cows at Carleton on Oct. 3.

Weinkauf said the team has shown an increased focus as the conference race has drawn closer.

"The team has been progressing very well," Weinkauf said. "The athletes are looking smooth, strong, and fast in each of the practices. I'm excited to see what they're able to do this Saturday."

The women's team has also benefitted from freshmen talent to supplement their two all-conference returners, Jemimah Habben and Grace Hahm.

At last year's conference championship meet, Habben finished third overall and Hahm was 12th, both clinching all-conference places. The pair have led MLC in nearly every race this season.

"We have been preparing the whole season for this meet," coach Breanna Olson said. "Preparation has gone well with the women and we are excited to see their fitness in action on Saturday."

MLC has had various freshmen step into counting roles for the team led by FVL alumna Claire Fischer, who ran a season-PR at the Running of the Cows on Oct. 3 with a 24:23.0. Joanna Wietzke and Anna Haakenson have also contributed this season. Wietzke ran her season-best time at Carleton while Haakenson ran her best at the Bennie Johnnie Autumn Classic on Oct. 17.

"Our freshmen this year have been a really fun addition to a solid group of ladies," Olson said. "They have provided fresh energy, fun vibes and competitiveness to push the whole team forward."

Sophomore Carys Wendland has also been an impact runner for the Knights, who has consistently lowered her time throughout the year. She ran her career-best time at last year's UMAC championship.

Olson said her message to the team is to believe they are prepared for the moment.

"Trust your fitness and the work you have put in this season; be prepared to be very comfortable with the uncomfortable, and be present and enjoy the experience," Olson said.

The women's race will start at noon and the men will run at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

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Players Mentioned

Jemimah Habben: Junior

Grace Hahm: Sophomore

Carys Wendland: Sophomore

Claire Fischer: Freshman

Anna Haakenson: Freshman

Joanna Wietzke: Freshman

Eliott Heiderich: Junior

Levi Schuetze: Junior

Silas Ebeling: Senior

Andrew Holz: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Jemimah Habben
: Junior

Grace Hahm
: Sophomore

Carys Wendland
: Sophomore

Claire Fischer
: Freshman

Anna Haakenson
: Freshman

Joanna Wietzke
: Freshman

Eliott Heiderich
: Junior

Levi Schuetze
: Junior

Silas Ebeling
: Senior

Andrew Holz
: Freshman