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The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

Adrik Kraftson training with rollerskis at a National Elite Group camp.

Adrik Kraftson nationally ranked in nordic skiing

Ruby Suro, Layout Editor November 16, 2021

Having skied since he was young, Kraftson has grown into a nationally ranked nordic skier and a strong leader in the sport. Along with several other activities, such as cross country, he is committed to...

Seventh grader, Stella Hicks runs a strider on the track in Pony Stadium on Sept. 23 in preparation for their race the next day. Hicks is running Varsity as a seventh grader on her first year on the team, and is improving quickly and becoming a key contributor.

Hicks earns spot on varsity cross country team

Brooke Elfert, Business Editor and Copy Editor October 17, 2021

Seventh grader Stella Hicks ran away with the competition, earning her spot as 4th runner ,on the girls varsity cross country team during the teams annual time trial the first week of practice at the high...

Stillwater coach Scott Christensen and runner Ethan Vargas stand alongside at a meet. The relationship between a coach and an athlete is very important for the races and meets.

More than a cross country state champion coach

Ella Gag, Social Media Editor March 25, 2020

"Coaching is about change and adjustment, coaching is being in the moment," Scott Christensen cross country and track coach said. Christensen has won many awards and championships during his coaching years....

Foreign Exchange students meet to discuss how things are going and what people are doing. One student gave a presentation about Germany this month.

Foreign Exchange Student Club smooths transition of coming to new country

Ava Hoelzel, Photographer December 7, 2019

“It [the Foreign Exchange Student Club] gives them [the foreign exchange students] time to step out of their classroom, and just be with each other,” school counselor Krista Koenen said.  The school...

Coach Scott Christensen supports his team in any way possible. “I love Scott, ever since day one he’s just been a cool, down to earth guy. He makes the Cross Country atmosphere so funny and lighthearted, and he takes the time to get to know you.” Senior Riley Call says.

Coach Scott Christensen recognized by MSHSL

Levi Gregg, Copy Editor September 30, 2017

Coach Scott Christensen’s dedication to Stillwater’s runners finally paid  off when he was inducted into the MSHSL Track hall of Fame. After coaching 73 track and cross country teams, training...

Boys Cross Country team lines up as they prepare for their race this August.

The past and present success of the boys Cross Country team

Lucas Braun, Social Media Editor October 26, 2015

The boys cross country team had been extremely successful in the past and still is today. They have won multiple state titles, regional tournaments, they have even competed in national tournaments...

Bailey Hesse-Withbroe nests in Iowa City

Holden Schafer, Copy Editor January 16, 2015

"Iowa was the school that felt most like home for me. The campus was the best out of all of the schools I was considering. The team seemed like a close-knit group, and I really connected with the coaching...

Working among her fellow classmates, Fredrika enjoys her time in the U.S. away from Sweden. Having only been here seven weeks, she said, "The biggest difference is all the rules. The bathroom passes for example. [In Sweden] we can go to the bathroom whenever we want."

VonEssen experiences team sports in American culture

Katelyn Weisbrod, Head Copy Editor October 29, 2014

Senior Fredrika VonEssen knew from the time she was 12 years old that she wanted to study abroad. She arrived in Minnesota on Aug. 21, her new home for the next 10 months. “I wanted to go on a...

Senior Haley Beech is a National Merit Commended Student, runs on varsity cross country and still is able spend time with friends.

Beech performs as multifaceted student

Hailey Beech December 11, 2013

Senior Haley Beech is a true example of a versatile student athlete. Maintaining a high GPA through high school while being involved in girls’ cross-country and Nordic ski.  Haley gives a new meaning...


During the State meet held at St. Olaf College, Lange shifts to pass an opponent. Lange passed countless opponents throughout her season, which is why she was such a crucial part to the team.

Lange runs to state

Rose Bruschu December 7, 2013

Junior Abby Lange had a successful cross country season this fall, and made her second career appearance at state on Nov. 2. The race was at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. Lange finished 98th...


Senior Haley Beech excels at everything she does from school to running cross country. “I think that doing well in both academics and athletics really helps reduce my stress,” said Beech.

Beech performs as multifaceted student

December 5, 2013

“I think that doing well in both academics and athletics really helps reduce my stress. Senior Haley Beech is a true example of a versatile student athlete. Maintaining a high GPA through high school...

Photo by Megan Aller
Members of the boys cross country team pose for a picture with their State Championship trophy after taking third place in the state meet.

Third place finish in State for boys cross country

Jessica Thomas, Editor-in-Chief November 11, 2013

The boys cross-country team competed in the state competition for cross-country teams. All of the top seven runners in the Stillwater Boys team were prepared to give their all while representing Stillwater...

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