Missouri runners to watch: Class 5 boys

With the first meets of the season just a couple of sunsets away, runners are ready to ready to take on the 2026 season.

There are a handful of Kansas City area runners who will be names to watch this fall. There will always be surprises along the way, but here are a few names to keep an eye out for during the next two months.

1. Rockhurst's Jack McGovern enters the season as the defending Missouri Class 5 cross country state champion after putting together one of the state's most impressive sophomore campaigns in 2025. 

After placing eighth at the state meet as a freshman in 2024, McGovern took the next step by capturing the individual state title a year later, firmly establishing himself as the premier returning runner in Class 5. His rapid progression has made him one of the top distance runners in the Midwest and the favorite to defend his championship.

McGovern has been equally dominant on the track. As a sophomore in 2026, he finished as the state runner-up in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races after already earning state medals as a freshman with a sixth-place finish in the 3,200 and 10th in the 1,600. 

2. Liberty North's Nathaniel Haberlach enjoyed a breakout junior season in 2025, emerging as one of Missouri's top distance runners. 

After finishing 63rd at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships as a sophomore in 2024, Haberlach made a remarkable jump to sixth place a year later. That performance makes him the third-highest returning finisher in Class 5 entering the upcoming season and puts him among the favorites to compete for an individual state medal once again.

Haberlach also found success during the 2026 track and field season, placing ninth in the 3,200-meter run at the state meet. 

3. Lee's Summit West's Jack McCrea heads into his senior season after earning one of the top finishes in Missouri during the 2025 cross country season. 

McCrea placed 17th at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships, making him the sixth-highest returning finisher in Class 5 and positioning him among the state's top contenders entering the fall.

As one of the Titans' veteran leaders, McCrea brings valuable state meet experience and consistency to a strong program. With another year of training and development, he will be looking to climb even higher in the state standings while leading Lee's Summit West throughout the postseason.

4. Liberty North's John Gray turned in a strong junior season in 2025, finishing 19th at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships. 

His top-20 finish demonstrated his ability to compete with the state's top runners and gives him a solid foundation entering his senior campaign.

With another year of experience and continued development, Gray will be an important piece of Liberty North's lineup while also looking to improve on his state finish. His consistency and postseason experience make him one of the stronger returning runners in Class 5.

5. Lee's Summit West's Parker Williams earned a state medal-caliber performance during the 2025 cross country season, finishing 22nd at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships. 

His strong junior campaign established him as one of the top returning runners in the Kansas City area and gives him plenty of momentum entering his senior season.

Williams has steadily developed into one of the Titans' key contributors and will be counted on to provide leadership both during the regular season and in postseason competition. Another year of experience could help him move even higher in the state standings.

6. Liberty North's Beckett Andreasen enjoyed an impressive sophomore season in 2025, placing 25th at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships. 

Competing against one of the state's deepest fields, Andreasen showed he has the talent to compete with Missouri's top distance runners while gaining valuable experience on the state's biggest stage.

With two seasons remaining, Andreasen has plenty of room for continued growth. His strong sophomore campaign makes him one of the top young runners to watch in Class 5 as he continues to develop into a potential state medal contender.

7. Blue Springs South's Wesley Morris put together an impressive junior campaign in 2025, finishing 26th at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships. 

His performance capped a strong season and established him as one of the Jaguars' top distance runners heading into his senior year.

Morris enters the upcoming season with valuable state meet experience and the confidence that comes from competing among Missouri's best. As one of Blue Springs South's veteran leaders, he will look to build on last year's success while helping guide the Jaguars through another competitive season.

8. Liberty North's Joseph DeRouchie made an immediate impact as a sophomore during the 2025 cross country season, finishing 27th at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships. 

His strong showing at the state meet highlighted his potential and established him as one of the state's top returning underclassmen.

With two more years to continue his development, DeRouchie has positioned himself as an important part of Liberty North's talented distance program. His combination of youth, experience and proven success at the state level makes him a runner to watch as he continues his climb among Missouri's elite.