Ringenberg, Hedding Lead Excelsior Springs Runners at Gans Creek
COLUMBIA, Mo., Sept. 27, 2025 — The Tiger cross country teams joined more than 100 high schools in Columbia last week for the Gans Creek Classic, an annual multi-race event hosted by Columbia Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the University of Missouri on the MSHSAA State Championships course.
The Lady Tigers entered three runners in the Blue Division, which featured 227 competitors. Sophomore Elizabeth Ringenberg was the top Excelsior Springs finisher, placing 102nd with a time of 22:46.8. Senior Kate Houck finished 144th in 24:06.8, while senior Kirsten Stout was close behind in 149th at 24:16.7. Addison Smith of Lexington won the race in 18:47.5.
The Tigers had four boys competing in the Blue Division, which included 347 runners. Senior Liam Hedding led the team with a 185th-place finish in 19:25.4. Sophomore Lane Collins was 214th in 19:47.6, senior William Tade ran 20:51.6 for 277th, and senior Conrad Purnell finished 309th in 21:48.9. Kyle Hathcock of Springfield Catholic won the race in 15:30.8.
The Tigers will be off from competition this week before hosting the annual Excelsior Springs Invitational on Oct. 7 at the Excelsior Springs Golf Course.
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