By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
The Southeast of Saline cross country teams are off to another strong start in 2025, as they pursue what could be a 20th 3A state title.
Despite winning nine state titles in the last decade, SES is far from satisfied, and will be ready to challenge to re-take their throne in Rim Rock later this fall.
“Our tradition is something to be proud of,” SES head coach Wade Caselman said. “We didn’t win another title last year, but we’re ready to make another run and try to re-establish that excellence again this year.”
Southeast opened the season at the Wamego Invitational, where the boys finished second only to the 4A hosts, and the girls finished in sixth amidst a loaded field.
Two Trojans finished inside the top ten as Brayden Walker concluded his race in third, with Jacob Bircher close behind in sixth.
On the girls' side, Piper Brown anchored the Lady Trojan effort with the lone top ten finish on the day.
“Wamego is a great meet for us,” Caselman said. “We get to run against solid 4A programs with very strong traditions and I thought our teams ran well.”
Last week, Southeast took on their second meet of the season in Buhler, and this time it was a double podium with the Trojans edging out Andale for first, and the Lady Trojans finishing in third.
Walker and Bircher dominated the race on the boys' side, finishing 2nd and 4th respectively, with Piper Brown improving to sixth on the girls' side.
“It was good to see our guys win in Buhler,” he said. “That’s a true cross country course, footing isn’t always the greatest there, but it was a good day and we saw some strong competition.”
Now, SES looks ahead to their home invitational, which will be held on the campus of Southeast of Saline on Tuesday.
Results from the first two meets can be found below.
Buhler Invitational (9-18-25)
Boys team results
1. SE of Saline - 81
2. Andale - 76
3. Hutch Trinity - 81
4. McPherson - 108
5. Great Bend - 116
6. Buhler - 116
7. Wichita Defenders - 219
8. Winfield - 222
Girls team results
1. Great Bend - 67
2. Buhler - 73
3. SE of Saline - 76
4. Berean Academy - 92
5. McPherson - 115
6. Wichita Defenders - 155
7. Andale - 159
8. Campus - 182
Wamego Invitational (9-11-25)
Boys team results
1. Wamego - 48
2. SE of Saline - 81
3. Chanute - 141
4. Christ Prep - 167
5. McPherson - 184
6. Rock Creek - 195
7. Augusta - 219
8. Buhler - 237
9. Eudora - 243
10. Mulvane - 246
Girls team results
1. Christ Prep - 81
2. Baldwin - 96
3. Wamego - 117
4. Rock Creek - 152
5. Clay Center - 167
6. SE of Saline - 172
7. Buhler - 176
8. Eudora - 203