Two team trophies. Two gold medals. Just another day at the office for the 2026 Seward High cross country teams.
The Bluejays swept the team titles and individual golds at the Central Conference meet Oct. 8 in Aurora.
“It was a very good meet,” Coach Kurt Holliday said, adding that the temperatures were warmer than expected which did impact some of the runners.
Haylen Holliday was the girls’ champion, finishing in 19:11.2. All six runners were in the top 17, with Lily Philips fourth, Savannah Bauer seventh, Jordyn Samuels eighth, Kenley Ginapp 12th and Chloe Brozovsky 17th.
Coach Holliday said all the girls ran good races. The gold was Haylen Holliday’s second at the conference meet.
The team finished with 20 points, 15 ahead of second-place Adams Central.
Jackson Einspahr was the boys’ champion, completing the 5K race in 15:37.7, tying his personal best time and “making it look easy,” Coach Holliday said.
Austin Koch finished third and moved closer to the top Northwest runner, which the coach was happy to see. Mason Vest was eighth, Mason Luebbe 10th, Lucas Zitek 13th and Gabe Pomajzl 15th.
The boys’ team title was the first for Seward since 2013, Coach Holliday said. SHS scored 22 points, with Northwest second at 35.
The Bluejays now turn their attention to the district meet Thursday, Oct. 15, at Overton. The top three teams and top 15 individuals in the district will qualify for the state meet Friday, Oct. 23, in Kearney.
“Overall we are in a good place,” Coach Holliday said. “We are excited moving forward.”
