First Row: Rodney Arthur, Tim Carlson, Tom Kuefler, Nick Sopko, Kurby Sunde, and Ben Anderson. Second Row: Diep Tran, Jennifer Johnson, Andrea Hulsing, Kayla Heitland, and Natalie Holstad. Third Row: Bev Lastine, Kandyce Hillesland, Joy Brinkman, and Sarah Seaton. Fourth Row: Elizabeth Anderson, Tami Harris, and Coach Al Gilbertson. 

In its debut season, the cross country program at Forest City High School made an impressive start, showcasing strong performances and steady growth from both the girls' and boys' teams. On the girls’ side, standout performances came from 10th graders Kandyce Hillesland and Tami Harris. Hillesland achieved a season-best time of 13:11 at Algona and averaged 13:46 overall, while Harris excelled with a best of 12:56 at Clear Lake and an average of 13:43. Eighth graders Andrea Hulsing and Joy Brickman consistently contributed to the team’s success, with average times of 13:56 and 14:14, respectively. The girls’ team had notable placements, securing 2nd place at Newman Catholic and Belmond and finishing the season with another 2nd place at Eagle Grove. On the boys’ side, 11th grader Nick Sopko led with a season-best 17:50 at Klemme and an average of 18:22, while Kirby Sunde averaged 18:42 and posted his best time of 18:21 at Algona. Emerging talent Ben Anderson, an 8th grader, showed promise with a best of 19:36 at Klemme and an average of 20:55. The boys’ team experienced highs and lows, with their strongest showing being a 1st-place finish at Klemme. Despite challenges with participation affecting scoring in some meets, both teams demonstrated resilience and potential, closing the season on a positive note and setting the stage for future success!

The Forest City cross country teams wrapped up a remarkable season filled with personal bests, team milestones, and historic achievements. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and growth, making this a standout year for the program.

The girls’ team had a season to remember, marked by steady progress and individual accomplishments. Among the standout athletes, Anita Aeikens, a 9th grader, emerged as a star. Her exceptional performances throughout the season culminated in a personal best of 12:28 at the District meet in Algona. This achievement earned her a spot at the state meet, making her the first female cross country state qualifier in Forest City history—a historic moment for the team and the school.

Anita was supported by a committed group of teammates, including Abby Prentice and Heather Hertzke, who displayed grit and determination in every race. Abby consistently improved her times, recording a best of 13:44, while Heather worked hard to achieve a season-best of 14:43. As a team, the girls showed their strength by finishing 3rd at Forest City and 4th at Klemme, among other strong placements. The season showcased their collective effort and set the foundation for future success.

The boys’ team also enjoyed a successful season, with several runners achieving personal milestones and contributing to the team’s overall performance. Leading the charge was Gary Flugum, a senior whose dominance on the course was unmatched. Gary’s best time of 15:56 at the state meet crowned him as the 2A State Cross Country Champion, a monumental accomplishment for Forest City. His consistent sub-17-minute finishes were key to the team’s success, and his state title is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Supporting Gary’s achievements were several other standout athletes, including Troy Trygstad, a 10th grader who showcased his potential with a season-best time of 17:49. Troy’s efforts contributed to the team’s strong showings at key meets, where they finished 3rd at Forest City and 2nd at Klemme.

Other key contributors included Mark Jacobson, whose season-best time of 17:18 highlighted his determination, and Brian Walker, who delivered consistent performances with a personal best of 19:12. Jonathan Olson and Owen Tran also played vital roles in the team’s efforts, rounding out a deep roster of dedicated runners.

The 2024 cross country season was a year of firsts and triumphs for Forest City. For the girls, Anita Aeikens’ historic qualification for the state meet marked a turning point for the program, inspiring her teammates and setting a new standard for future runners. For the boys, Gary Flugum’s state championship victory solidified his place as one of Forest City’s most accomplished athletes.

With strong performances across the board and promising young runners like Troy Trygstad and Anita Aeikens, the future of Forest City cross country looks bright. The season was not just about times and placements—it was about growth, determination, and the spirit of competition that will carry these athletes forward in their running careers.

Gary Flugum, bib #34, running at the State Meet in Fort Dodge, IA where he ran to being the State Champion for 2A

Right L to R first row, Ken Kleemeier, Amy Brunsvold, Anita Aeikens, Abby Prentice, Carrie Conklin, Laura Korth, Alaina Nath, Ethan Albertson. L to R second row, Victor Vitebiskiy, Jeff Leuwerke, Kyle Cunningham, Matt Sinnwell, Micah Christiansen, Chris Boran, Aaron Sunde, Seth Thorson, Evan Almelien. L to R third row, Claudio Villaroe, Eric Lampe, Tom Greenwood, Chris Higgins, Ignazio Guihtoli, Coach Gilbertson, Jon Korth, Ryan Hinders, Seamus Kelly, Ryan Davis, and Tom Cleveland.

The girls' cross-country team showed steady improvement throughout the season, with several standout performances. Senior Anita Aeikens led the team with a consistent pace, culminating in a season-best time of 12:02 at Pocahontas. Freshman Carrie Conklin demonstrated strong potential, recording a 12:24 at districts. The team had their best collective finish at the Forest City meet, where they placed first overall. Despite facing tough competition, they secured second place at the conference meet and had a strong showing at districts. A historic achievement for the program came when both Aeikens and Conklin qualified for the state meet—marking the first time in team history that two runners advanced to state in the same season. Other notable performances included freshman Ashley Kappos, who showed significant progress with a season-best 13:35 at districts, and sophomore Alaina Nath, who steadily improved throughout the season.

The boys' team had a strong season, highlighted by multiple first-place finishes, including victories at Garner, Humboldt, Pocahontas, and Forest City. Sophomore Ethan Albertson emerged as a top competitor, recording an impressive 16:18 at Pocahontas. Senior Christopher Higgins provided veteran leadership, consistently finishing under 18 minutes and clocking a season-best 16:52 at Pocahontas. The team's depth played a key role in their success, with contributions from athletes such as sophomore Tom Greenwood and freshman Ryan Hinders. Despite a challenging conference meet, where they placed third, they had a solid showing at districts. The progress of the Forest City cross-country team as a whole was evident, with both the boys and girls teams showing significant development throughout the season. The continued improvement, highlighted by historic state qualifiers and strong team finishes, sets the stage for future success.