With five runners returning from last year’s squad that competed at the Missouri Class 5, District 1 championships, the Mehlville boys cross country team is looking to make moves in 2026.

“They’re going to be a fun and motivated group this season,” Panthers head coach Mark McNamara said. “They know what it takes to succeed, and I’m seeing the boys taking charge and wanting to take things to the next level.”

Senior Klaus Meyer returns this season after being the Panthers top runner in 2025, in which he placed 47th overall at the district championships.

“Klaus has been on the varsity the past three years,” McNamara said. “He’s very goal-driven and motivated to run fast this season.”

Junior Oliver Maxeyn placed 92nd last season at the district championships and is expected to improve on that result in 2026.

“Oliver is a pretty reliable runner and is a great pack runner,” McNamara said. “He’s willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to succeed.”

Another junior to watch this season is Mason Kilper. In 2025, Kilper took 76th overall at the district championships and is expected to be one of the keys to the Panthers success this year.

“I think Mason can make drastic changes in his times this season,” McNamara said. “He’s really put in the mileage this summer to be a top runner on this year’s team.”

Sophomore Kynan Pritchard is coming off an impressive freshman year in which he took 77th overall at districts.

“I believe that Kynan can be a lead runner as well because he’s always trying to push himself in practice,” McNamara said. “I could see him being our first or second place finisher in our meets this season.”

Another Mehlville sophomore with a solid freshman season behind him is Timothy Haviland.

“Timothy continued to improve throughout the season last year,” McNamara said. “He’s your prototypical cross country runner, and I believe that once he gets enough training in, he’ll be a consistent runner in our pack.”

Mehlville starts their season on Sept. 4 at the St. Charles 1st Capital Invitational.