KELLOGG – Kellogg cross country coach Jeff Smith is eager to see how his boys perform this weekend. 

The Wildcats won their second straight District I/II championship last week, with four runners finishing in the top seven. 

After graduating two pillars of the program last season, Smith entered 2025 unsure of what to expect. He’s been pleasantly surprised by several young runners, all with room to grow. 

“Junior Shad Creswell and sophomore Alex Cassidy have really stood out as leaders this year,” Smith said. “I lost two really strong leaders and runners last year to graduation, and Shad and Alex have really stepped up to fill their spots. They both have led by example all season with their work ethic and just the way they encourage the other runners.” 

Smith believes this year’s team may be stronger than last year’s, noting three runners are in the 17-minute range and one in the low 18s, with steady improvement. 

After weeks of cold, harsh conditions in the north Idaho mountains, the Wildcats will run in warmer, rainy weather at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston this weekend. Smith sees that as an advantage for a team that has scored like an average 3A squad recently, despite unfavorable conditions. 

Familiarity with the course could also help. The Wildcats have a puncher’s chance to reach the podium, both individually and as a team, but must contend with strong competition from Malad, Ririe and Soda Springs. 

“We are about mid-pack according to current rankings, but we've had some tough courses to end the season,” Smith said. “Because of this, their times haven't shown a lot of improvement, but they are running faster. This will be our third time at Lewiston this season and the boys have run really well there.” 

Creswell enters the state meet ranked 16th in 3A, just seconds behind the two runners ahead of him and about 30 seconds from the top five. With better conditions, Smith believes Creswell and his teammates could make a major jump. 

“Overall, this is just a great group of young men,” Smith said. “I'm excited to see what they do at state this year.” 

The 3A boys state cross country championships are set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Lewis-Clark State College.