WyoPreps State Cross Country Contenders in 2026

The Wyoming High School Cross Country State Championships return to Cheyenne for the fourth consecutive year. The 2026 races will be contested at the Little America Golf Course and the surrounding area for the third time. Looking at times, rankings, and finishes throughout the 2026 season on Wyoming MileSplit, Athletic.net, and other cross-country platforms, WyoPreps is providing fans a look at which individuals and teams to watch out for at this year’s championships.

2026 CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FAVORITES AND CONTENDERS

In the video above, we preview the course and some expectations with Cheyenne East Cross Country Head Coach Becky Fournier.

Fans, do not forget: there is limited parking on the east side of the Little America Resort. Once that area is full, you will be directed to a remote lot.

Here is a glimpse at the favorites, contenders, and perhaps a dark horse for the individual and team titles. This is in order of the racing on Saturday, according to the start times.

3A Girls – 10:30 a.m.

Favorites = Karee Cooley, Powell; Ellie Farris, Buffalo; Maya Hall, Buffalo; Ava Tapia, Worland.

Other Contenders = Anyston Keller, Powell; Lauren Linn, Rawlins; Mckynly Stephens, Mountain View.

Dark Horse = Lillyan James, Newcastle; Ali Townsend, Buffalo; Ellie Fritz, Tongue River; Kaytlee George, Powell.

Team Favorite = Buffalo

Other Team Contenders = Worland, Douglas.

2A Girls – 11:00 a.m.

Favorites = Lyla Marney, Big Horn; Ella Marney, Big Horn; Teagan Butler, Big Horn; Dai’Onna Posey, Wyoming Indian.

Other Contenders = Tess Dailey, Sundance; Maci Lyons, Lusk; Caemlyn Nolte, Wright; Jakae Elder, Thermopolis.

Dark Horse = Avery Thomas, Rocky Mountain.

Team Favorite = Big Horn

Other Team Contenders = Wyoming Indian; Sundance.

4A Girls – 11:30 a.m.

Favorites = Maggie Madsen, Cheyenne East; Adalyn Racines, Cheyenne Central.

Other Contenders = Dorothy Jensen, Laramie; Sofia Rose, Cheyenne Central; Lexi Longhurst, Kelly Walsh; Kelly McNiven, Laramie; Alexis Teschendorf, Natrona County; Aria Wheeler, Rock Springs.

Dark Horse = Melissa McCrave, Kelly Walsh; Flora Caputo-Wilkowski, Laramie; Kellsie Dunne, Star Valley; Raina Wachob, Cody; Hallie Schramm, Cody; Lillie Kirkham, Cody.

Team Favorites = Laramie, Cheyenne Central, Kelly Walsh

Other Team Contenders = Cody, Star Valley.