Karr continues to build PCM cross country program into winner

MONROE — It had been about 15 years since the Prairie City-Monroe girls’ cross country team had a state qualifier when Eric Karr was in his second season as head coach in 2013.

But after turning a program that had seven runners at the junior high and high school levels when he arrived three years ago, Karr and his coaching staff worked with 52 runners at both levels last season and the Mustangs have sent runners in back-to-back seasons to the state meet in Fort Dodge.

Now, in year four, Karr expects both PCM squads to be more competitive than they were in year three.

“I have pretty realistic expectations,” Karr said. “I think the girls, as people, are awesome. All I ask is that we give great effort and continue to get better as the year goes, but I think we’ll be more competitive than last year.

“The effort out of my top five boys has been great, too. I think that team will be way better than last year.”

The Mustang girls welcome back junior Rachel Stafford, who became PCM’s first female state qualifier in 15 years when she advanced as a freshman.

Stafford will look to make it three years in a row for the program after graduated senior Rachel Peter got through last season.

“She is just so athletic,” Karr said. “And I think if I made her run 20 miles, she would figure out a way to compete.”

The boys’ squad also returns its top runner as junior Chris Ellens returns after running in the top two positions last season.

“He was our MVP last year,” Karr said. “He’s a hard worker and a strong competitor.”

Peter graduated last year, but Karr got a pleasant surprise when junior Jayci Vos decided to make the switch from volleyball to cross country.

Karr expects Vos to immediately move into the top two positions when she figures out the strategies that come with the sport.

“She expressed an interest in running this summer and actually attended one of our workouts during a day when she didn’t have a softball game,” Karr said.

“There’s no doubt I feel like her joining the team is a gift. We’re happy to have her.”

Stafford and Vos are middle distance runners and sprinters on the PCM track team.

And Karr admits he doesn’t know if he has a true distance runner on this year’s team. But that’s OK with him.

Runners who are expected to make a push at the final five varsity spots include sophomore Baylee Smith, senior Kiara Kappleman, freshman Payton Schut, senior Morgan Novak and freshman Morgan Uhlenhopp.

Smith was the No. 3 runner last season behind Peter and Stafford.

“There is definitely more depth this year, and I think we can be a better team even though Rachel graduated,” Karr said.

The girls’ roster also includes senior Mallory Bell, junior Mallory Downey and freshmen Megan Townley and Sara Dudley.

According to Karr, Ellens has the best chance to send a male runner to state for the second consecutive season.

“He was in the 20s last year at the state qualifier and because they are now taking 15 to state, he has a realistic shot to advance,” Karr said.

Senior Trent Howard has been No. 2 during the preseason, and Karr expects junior Mark Bruxvoort and sophomore Brady North to be the No. 3 and No. 4.

But the final three positions are still up in the air with sophomores Caleb Peter, Blake Lee and Noah Henkenius as the front runners right now.

The rest of the boys’ roster includes senior Andres Vargas, juniors Braden Phifer and Max Van Gorp and sophomores Jonathan Heath and Bradley McClellan.

The teams will open the season Thursday in the Gilbert Invitational at the Iowa State cross country course.