Jack Weiler is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Lutheran High School for AZPreps365.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Valley Lutheran’s three-runner cross country team wrapped up its first season without state champion and 2026 graduate Benjamin Benally at Glendale Heroes Regional Park on Nov. 3.

Though none of Valley Lutheran's three athletes advanced to Cave Creek Golf Course on Nov. 14, senior Jordan Sall was the closest. He came just under 20 positions short of a state championship berth, running 20 minutes, 13 seconds on the 5000 meter course.

Because he did not advance, this was the final cross country meet of his high school career.

Sall said he was disappointed with his time and placement, but happy with his effort and how he ran his race.

“I felt pretty good about the race, I felt good with keeping my pace,” Sall said. “I thought I could’ve ran probably a little bit better to get to state.”

Junior Parker Straw ran about a minute short of his personal best with a 25:16. As did sophomore Kylie Klappenback, who finished just over a minute short of her season best with a 30:57.

Klappenback came into the meet fresh off a fourth-place finish at the NVCA Small Invite on Oct. 23. However, it marked the end of a second consecutive season as the only girl on the team, and she already looked forward to building for next year.

“I just need to build up my endurance and look forward to next year,” Klappenback said. “Hopefully we’ll have more people.”

Head coach Isaac Chavez also saw the conclusion of his first season coaching Valley Lutheran’s cross country team. He will continue his coaching career with the track and field team, also as the head coach.

Chavez said he was happy with his athletes' effort and said they exceeded his expectations coming into the meet. He also described this year as a learning experience and is looking forward to making some changes for next year.

With Jordan Sall graduating, Valley Lutheran will be without its top runner next year. And if no new athletes faster than Straw join the team, it will fall on Sall to lead the boys team next year.

Though it is unclear whether Straw will inherit the top spot or if Klappenback will run a third consecutive season as the only female runner on the team, if no new athletes join, it will be just the duo of Straw and Klappenback next season. 

Athletic Director Cade Mousel acknowledged the challenge ahead, but said he is eager to try to increase the roster size for both Chavez and the athletes.

“We just got to get a bigger team around them,” Mousel said.