The Lindbergh boys cross country team is slated to have one of its largest rosters ever, with a total of 70 runners this season. That alone is enough to create an air of excitement amongst the Flyers.
“I’m really excited because I believe that we will be solid this year,” Lindbergh head coach Jeff Linger said. “With as many kids as we have, there’s going to be some surprises this year. I believe that we should have a really strong year.”
Senior Ben Donaldson returns as the Flyers top runner this season after taking 65th overall at last year’s Missouri Class 5 state championships.
“Ben has been our No. 1 runner since he was a sophomore and he has a lot of experience running against the top guys in the area,” Linger said. “The guys have looked to him as their leader since that sophomore season.”
Jude Pyle is coming off a very successful freshman campaign in which he garnered a 66th place overall at last season’s district championships.
“He’s one of those guys that’s excited to make improvements,” Linger said. “I’m expecting him to step up this year and be in a leadership role on this year’s team.”
Junior Braden Francis is another Flyer to watch this season after placing 81st at last year’s district championships.
“Braden’s a quiet guy, but you don’t want to be up against him in a time trial,” Linger said. “I believe that he’s one of the guys on this year’s team that racked up the most distance this summer.”
Two more juniors that could make an impact on this year’s squad are Charlie Phillips and Elijah Mullins.
“Charlie has a lot of poise, and we’re going to lean heavy on him in terms of leadership this season,” Linger said. “Elijah is likely a candidate to make our top five this year, and I think the word determined is the best word that describes him.”
The Flyers head coach is also looking to seniors Mason Bahr and Kaden Cruts, along with junior Andy Michelsen, to step up and make a run at the team’s top five spots this season.
“They’re all in the same boat,” Linger said. “They’re really going to have to work at it if they want to crack that top five lineup.”
The Flyers open up their 2026 season at the Jackson Invitational on Aug. 29.