Adel-DeSoto-Minburn sophomore Elliotte Von Roden recently finished her second season of high school cross country, qualifying for state both years, as she reminisces on this past accomplishment.

Von Roden was the lone representative at the state meet her freshman year, capping off a breakout season. However, during the 2025 season, the Tigers marked second overall as a team at the state qualifying meet in Pella to advance the whole squad to Fort Dodge. 

ADM finished 11th as a team, as Von Roden tallied 54th individually with a time of 20 minutes and six seconds. She explains that going to state her freshman year was a cool experience, but this past season, advancing as a whole unit meant so much more.

“It was amazing. Of course the anticipation was so high going into the meet because we all felt so confident in ourselves. And then once the meet finished, we all realized that we were going to state together, it was just a flood of emotions. Everyone was so happy (and) I think there wasn’t a frown on anyone’s face past that point, and then going together as a team was honestly truly special.”

Von Roden comments that her teammates would be able to cheer her up if she had an off practice or rough meet, encouraging her that she’ll do better next time. She’ll be participating in track and field in the spring, followed by softball in the summer. 

The full conversation with Von Roden can be heard tonight during the Raccoon Valley Bank Dallas County PM Sports Magazine on KDLS 94.3/99.7 FM and AM 1310, beginning at 6pm. The program also features segments from Perry and Dallas Center-Grimes High Schools.