Seniors Lane McIntyre and Izzy Westling are the 2025-26 recipients of the “Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award” by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).  According to the MSHSL, the purpose of this program is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the fine arts. The two were honored at the Section 5A Triple A Award Banquet earlier in January.

Lane was selected as the top male Triple AAA Award recipient in our sub-region. He now advances to represent our region at the MSHSL 5A banquet where he will join the other top AAA honorees in our Section. The top student athletes from Section 5A will then move on to MSHSL state competition in March.

Lane is the son of Suzanne McIntyre of Saint Joesph and Mike McIntyre of South Dakota. He is the brother of Kayla ’28.
While attending Saint John’s Prep, Lane has been a member of the track, cross-country and Nordic ski teams. He serves as a captain of the cross-country and Nordic ski teams. Lane is also a member of the SJP choir, concert choir, and orchestra. He was named to the all-state choir in 2025. Lane also plays piano and earned a spot in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association Honors Concert. Lane is a member of the National Honor Society and the Triangle Literary Magazine. Lane is an alumni member of the Saint John’s Boys’ choir who serves as a camp counselor. He is also an active member of the Church of Saint Joseph.

As a team captain and music mentor, Lane appreciates the leadership opportunities he’s received as a team captain and mentor for younger musicians and singers. “As leaders we learn to work effectively with our coaches, directors, and other team members. I try to make sure that everyone feels like they are an important part of the team or group by spreading kindness, positivity, and cheering everyone on!”

Lane will attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and study engineering. He plans to pursue music in the men’s choir and join an intramural running club while in college.

Izzy is the daughter of Sue and Craig Westling of Sartell. She is the sister of Luc ’20 and Claire ’24.
Izzy has been a member of the swim and dive team and as a senior, she serves as a captain. Izzy is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Triangle Literary Magazine. HOSA Future Health Care Professionals Club, Girls Who Code, Gym Girls Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She’s served as a middle school mentor and an academic center tutor. Izzy is an artist and enjoys creating ceramics and drawing in the Saint John’s Prep art studios.

In November of 2025, at the Minnesota State High School League Swim and Dive State Championship Meet, Izzy claimed the state title in the 100-yard freestyle with an outstanding time of 51.75 seconds. In addition to her first-place finish, Izzy also earned second place in the 200-yard individual medley.

Izzy says both athletics and arts are very important to her education. “Sports are important because they teach me how to challenge and push myself. I have been forced to learn time-management skills, discipline, and resilience in the face of obstacles – all skills that are important in the pool, the classroom, and life. Art has played a huge part in my life, by teaching me ways to express myself. I gained confidence and patience in how I understand and express my emotions and opinions by bringing them to life through something I can make.”

Next year Izzy plans to attend a New York University in Manhattan and study global health. She has committed to be a member of NYU’s Violets swim and dive team.

Criteria for the Triple A Award include:  Exhibit citizenship and be a respected individual in their home communities and school, have participated in a MSHSL-sponsored athletic program and fine arts activity, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.

The post SJP Seniors Earn AAA Award appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

On November 15 at the Minnesota State High School League Swim and Dive State Championship Meet, Izzy Westling claimed the state title in the 100-yard freestyle with an outstanding time of 51.75 seconds. In addition to her first-place finish, Izzy also earned second place in the 200-yard individual medley.

In 2024, Izzy swam two individual sprint events, placing 6th in the 50 Free and 3d in the 100 Free earning All State honors in both events.

Izzy wasn’t just a standout in individual events—she also teamed up with Lilah Mohs ’27 for the 200-yard medley relay at the MSHSL state meet, held at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Regan Douvier ’28 served as the team’s alternate. Known as one of the most competitive events in Minnesota high school swimming, the relay featured some of the fastest swimmers in the state. The team finished 14th out of 23 teams, an impressive achievement.

Saint John’s Prep swimmers compete as part of a community co-op team with St. Cloud Apollo and St. Cloud Cathedral, giving student-athletes the opportunity to participate in high school swimming and diving at the state level.

We’re incredibly proud of these scholar-athletes and their dedication. Way to go, Johnnies!
Learn more about our programs at .

The post Izzy Westling ’26 Earns State Championship Title in Swimming appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Amanda Bolton ’25 Named National Merit Finalist

Congratulations to Amanda Bolton ’25, who has been named a National Merit Finalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program! Amanda is the daughter of Nicole and Aaron Bolton of Sartell. She is the sister of Matthew ’22 and Sarah ’25 Bolton. Amanda has attended Saint John’s Prep since sixth grade.

This fall Amanda first earned recognition as a semifinalist, placing among the top 16,000 students nationwide. Now, as one of 15,000 finalists, she is in the running for one of the prestigious National Merit Scholarships.

Earning the title of National Merit Finalist places a student among the top score earners in the country on the PSAT test, representing less than one percent of graduating seniors. Finalists must also have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, and be endorsed and recommended by their school’s principal. Amanda advanced after submitting an application which included her academic record and a listing of her participation in school and community activities.

Amanda is co-captain of the soccer and basketball teams and competes with the Prep varsity track and field team. Her other leadership positions include National Honor Society service committee chair, German Club co-president, and team lead in the junior volunteer program at St. Cloud Hospital. She is also a member of the Mock Trial and Envirothon teams and works at The Good Shepherd Community as a certified nursing assistant.

Amanda’s future plans include studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) in college. Her long-term goal is to attend medical school and become a pediatric dermatologist. 

She’s grateful to be a Saint John’s Prep student because of the small class sizes. “At Prep, the small student-to-faculty ratio allows me to excel in school because of the personalized attention from teachers and their ability to adapt their pace to the class’s needs.”

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)–a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year–and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

Congratulations Amanda!

The post Senior Amanda Bolton Named National Merit Finalist appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

The SJP swimmers and divers finished the season with an exciting appearance at the MSHSL State Class A Championships this past weekend.

At the State meet, the 200 Free Relay, with Lilah Mohs ’27, Izzy Westling ’26, and alternate Regan Douvier ’28, edged out cross-town rival Tech High School to a riveting 11th place finish! The Apollo/Cathedral/SJP Swim and Dive team placed 16th overall in a field of 42 teams this weekend in State Class A. This is the first year for this swim and dive partnership with Saint John’s Prep, Saint Cloud Cathedral and Saint Cloud Apollo.

Izzy swam two individual sprint events, placing 6th in the 50 Free and 3d in the 100 Free earning All State honors in both events.
At the Section 6A meet on November 9, Izzy ’26 defended her 2023 section titles and earned the title of 2024 Section 6A Champion in the 50 Free and 100 Free. At the seciton meet, in the 50 Free, she broke the all-time Apollo andCathedral/Saint John’s Prep records as well as the pool record with a 23.86 punching a ticket to the state meet. In the 100 Free at the section meet, she went in a blistering 52.08 to set new all-time Apollo and Cathedral/Saint John’s Prep records and breaking her pool record set last year while qualifying for state. Izzy was named the 2024 Section 6A Swimmer of the Year.

The team thanks all the students and parents who made the trip to the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center’s pool to show their support! The swimmers and divers appreciate all of the support from families and fans this season!

The post SJP Swimmers Compete at state Swim Meet Izzy Westling ’26 Earns 3rd and 6th! appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep is proud to congratulate Sophomore Margaret Duffy ’27 for placing 4th in her first State Cross Country State Meet! The Class A State race was held on November 2, 2024 at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, MN with 160 athletes competing.

, a personal best! Margaret received ALL-STATE honors!

Margaret is coached by Lance Nydeen, Kurt Salzl ’87 and Stephen Woods ’09. She is the daughter of Megan and Brendon Duffy of Cold Spring. She is the sister of Saint John’s Prep graduates Clare ’22 and Patrick ‘24.

This cross-country season, Margaret won the Central Minnesota Conference Championship and Section 5A Championship races. She also earned all-section and all-conference honors. She’s looking forward to the spring 2025 track and field season as a returning member of the Saint John’s Prep 2024 4×800 state championship relay team.

The post Margaret Duffy ’27 earns fourth at state Cross-Country Championship Race appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep is proud to congratulate four Saint John’s Prep seniors who have committed to compete in both track & field and cross country at the collegiate level. This week Henry Buehrer, Nick Hansen, Zach Meyer, and Olivia Pauly all announced their decisions in an official signing ceremony in front of their families and classmates.

Prep Athletic and Activities Director Bryan Backes acknowledged these seniors’ commitment to their teams and sport. “The commitment of these athletes to reach their highest potential has been remarkable! We’re very proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their leadership.”

Henry, Nick, and Zach have all committed to join the Lawrence University Vikings. Lawrence is a NCAA Division III competitor that competes in the Midwest Conference. Lawrence is in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Olivia committed to compete at the University of Saint Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota in December. Saint Thomas is a Division I school that competes in the Summit League.

Assistant Track and Cross Country Coach Stephen Woods is very optimistic about this group’s ability to compete at the college level. “These kids have worked incredibly hard over the last four years – staying consistent, healthy, focused, and positive – and the results have spoken for themselves. I am so excited to watch these athletes reach new heights at the next level; the sky’s the limit for each of them!”

Facts about the Athletes:

Henry Buehrer, son of Michelle and Barth Buehrer of St. Cloud, MN

• Henry is the current Prairie Conference Track and Field MVP who earned first place in the 100m, 200m and 400m races at the conference meet on May 15. Henry is also an all-conference long jump competitor.
• Henry was a part of the 4x800m relay team that earned fifth place at the 2023 MSHSL State Track and Field meet. Henry is part of the 2023 Section 5A Championship 4×800 relay team.
• Henry plans to major in music and marketing at Lawrence.

Nick Hansen, son of Denise and Greg Hansen of St. Joseph, MN

• Nick is part of the Class A 4×800 state championship relay team. He competes individually in the 1600 and 3200 races. He is the current 3200 Prairie Conference champion. He placed 5^th in the 3200 race at the state track meet in 2023.
• Nick is the current MSHSL Section 5A cross country champion. He earned third at the 2023 state cross country championship. He’s a three-time state cross country championship qualifier.
• Nick plans to major in computer science at Lawrence.

Zach Meyer, son of Jai and Andy Meyer of St. Joseph, MN

• Zach is part of the Class A 4×800 state championship relay team. He competes individually in the 800 and 1600 races. Zach is the current 800 Prairie Conference champion. He placed 4^th in the 800 race at the state track meet in 2023. Zach is the 2023 Prairie Conference MVP.
• Zach earned all-state honors at the 2023 MSHSL state cross country championship. He’s a three-time state cross country championship qualifier.
• Zach is undecided about what his major will be at Lawrence.

Olivia Pauly, daughter of Jill and Jonathan Pauly of St. Cloud, MN

• Olivia is the Class A Cross Country Champion. She won the 2023 championship race with a time of 18:20.5, eleven seconds ahead of the second place finisher. She’s a three-time state cross country championship qualifier.
• In track and field, Olivia competes in the 4×800 relay, and individually in the 1600, and 3200 races. She is the current Prairie Conference record holder in both events. She’s a two-time Prairie Conference MVP.
• Olivia has been accepted to the Aquinas Scholars Honors Program and the Opus College of Business at Saint Thomas.

Head Track and Field Coach Lance Nydeen has coached Henry, Nick, Zach and Olivia since they joined the Prep team in middle school. “The senior leaders of this team have developed into amazing athletes, role-models, and team leaders. They are self-motivated, but also take to coaching exceptionally well. They listen, practice, and respond with excitement and positivity. They have worked so hard and taken the extraordinary steps to improve and push the bar of success for themselves, each other, and the team at every new level they achieve. They are the quintessential student-athletes!”

Saint John’s Prep distance runners are coached by Lance Nydeen, Kurt Salzl ’87, and Stephen Woods.

All four athletes enrolled in Saint John’s Preparatory School as sixth graders in the fall of 2017. They are among the 47 members of the Class of 2024 who will graduate in the Saint John’s Abbey Church at 3:00pm on Friday, May 24.

As they prepare for graduation, Coach Nydeen acknowledges their contribution to the team and school community. “Their priorities and dedication are so admirable and their humility astounding. They never miss an opportunity to help another teammate and continually work to improve themselves. The legacy that these senior athletes have left will shape the Cross Country and Track team culture for years after their graduation! They are truly special and inspirational!”

The post Four Saint John’s Prep Athletes Commit to Competing in College appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

were among the 20 student athletes from our area who shared a brief speech about the impact their activities have made on their lives. Both shared charming stories and anecdotes about their time at Prep! Great job Johnnies!

Olivia was selected as the top female Triple AAA Award recipient in our sub-region. She now advances to represent our region at the MSHSL 5A banquet where she will join the other top AAA honorees in our Section. The top student athletes from Section 5A will then move on to MSHSL state competition in March.

Let’s go Olivia!

The post AaA Awards Banquet: Pauly Advances to Section 5a appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Seniors Nick Hansen and Olivia Pauly are the 2024 Saint John’s Prep recipients of the “Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award” by the Minnesota State High School League.  According to the MSHSL, the purpose of this program is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the fine arts. The two will be honored at the Section 5A Triple A Award Banquet on January 17.

Nick is the son of Denise and Greg Hansen of St. Joseph. He is the brother of Isaac ’19 and Holly ’22 Hansen. While attending Saint John’s Prep, Nick has been a member of the varsity cross-country, track and field, Nordic ski and soccer teams. He serves as a captain of the Cross Country and Nordic ski teams. Nick Hansen has been involved in band, focusing on percussion. He is a talented ceramicist and enjoys creating pieces of pottery in the Saint John’s Prep art studios. Nick is also a captain of the SJP Robotics team. Nick is a member of the National Honor Society and has served on Student Council. Outside of his school activities, Nick is a member of Duck’s Unlimited. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and serves as an altar server, lector and Eucharistic minister.

Nick is an all-state cross country athlete who appeared in three state cross country championship meets. He finished in 3^rd place at the 2023 meet at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course in November. for Saint John’s Prep. Individually, he earned 5^th place at the state meet in the 3200 race. He also competed in the 2022 state track and field championship meet.

Nick plans to pursue a STEM major at a college that has competitive track and cross country programs.

Olivia Pauly is the daughter of Jill and Jonathan Pauly of St. Cloud. She is the sister of Sofia Pauly ’27. Olivia has been a member of the varsity cross-country, track and field, Nordic ski and soccer teams at Saint John’s Prep. She serves as captain of the cross country team. Olivia is also a member of the mock trial team and the yearbook committee. She is a dedicated artist who enjoys creating pottery, painting with acrylics, and sketching with pencil. Olivia competes in MNTA piano competitions and has earned superior ratings in both performance and theory. Olivia is a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud where she has served as an altar server.

She earned her first place title in November at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course. Olivia has appeared at three state track and field championship meets. In June, she finished in 6^th place overall in the 1600 meter race.

In December Olivia signed her NCAA Division 1 letter of intent with the University of St. Thomas where she will join the track and field and cross country teams. She’s considering majoring in business with a minor in German.

Both Nick and Olivia have been students at Saint John’s Prep since sixth grade. They are proud members of the Class of 2024 and will graduate with their classmates on May 24, 2024 at the

Criteria for the Triple A Award include:  Exhibit citizenship and be a respected individual in their home communities and school, have participated in a MSHSL-sponsored athletic program and fine arts activity, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.

The post NIck Hansen and Olivia Pauly are 2024 AAA AWARD Honorees appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep is proud to congratulate Louise Ruzanic ’25 for placing 11th in her first ever State Cross Country State Meet! The race was held on November 4, 2023 at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, MN with .

Louise passed more than fifty other runners in after the halfway point in the race. Her final push towards the finish line was very powerful and an amazing feat to witness! Louise finished the race with a time of 19:22.8, a personal best! Louise received ALL-STATE honors!

Louise is coached by Lance Nydeen, Kurt Salzl ’87 and Stephen Woods ’09. She is the daughter of Rachel Wenner Ruzanic ’95 and Ted Ruzanic of Cold Spring. She is the sister of Claudia ’28, John ’29 and Annie ’32.

Louise completes her junior cross country season with all-section and all-conference honors. She’s looking forward to the spring 2024 track and field season.

Louise’s teammate, Olivia Pauly ’24, won the state championship title .

The Saint John’s Prep boys’ cross country team won the section championship title and earned competed as a team at the state meet. Hansen ’24 earning third place in the championship race.

The post Prep Junior earns All-State Honors with 11th place finish at State Cross Country Meet appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

MSHSL State Cross Country Class A Meet

The Cross Country teams ended a historically successful season in spectacular fashion! On Saturday, November 4, our athletes competed at the state cross country meet at the Les Bolstad Golf Course on the U of M campus on November 4.

The boys’ team, after winning their second Section 5A Championship title, were excited for a second team trip to the Minnesota State Class A Championship. The Prep School improved on its Historic State Class A 10th Place finish in 2022 with an even more impressive seventh place finish in 2023!

Led by Seniors Nick Hansen ’24, Zack Meyer ’24, Aaron Ruesink ’24, and Po-Huan Lu ’24, Junior Ben Suo ’25, Sophomore Laurenz Haselbock ’26 and Freshman Ryan Mahowald ’27, the team proved to be up for the challenge and finished with TWO ALL-STATE runners! Nick Hansen ’24 placed third in the Class A Boys’s race! Zach Meyer ’24 placed 21st!

Team individual results:

THIRD PLACE and ALL-STATE; Nick Hansen ’24

21st Place and ALL-STATE; Zach Meyer ’24

56th Place; Ben Suo ’25

111th Place; Aaron Ruesink ’24

135th Place; Po-Huan Lu ’24

136th Place; Laurenz Haselbock ’26

150th Place; Ryan Mahowald ’27

Team Alternates: Lane McIntyre ’26. Will Vix ’26, Brett Penk ’25, and Patrick Duffy ’24

Nick Hansen Earns 3rd Place at State Cross Country Meet

Congratulations to Nick Hansen ‘24 for an excellent third place finish in the MSHSL Class A State Cross Country race! Nick had an outstanding race time of 15:56.6. Nick stayed with the lead pack of runners throughout the race and had a spectacular sprint to the finish line.

Nick is the son of Denise and Greg Hansen of St. Joseph. He is the brother of Isaac ’19 and Holly ’22.

Nick is looking forward to competing in his senior track and field season this spring. He was a part of the 4x800m relay team that won the Nick also placed 5th in the 2023 state track and field 3200 race.

Zach Meyer Earns 21st Place at State Cross Country Meet

Congratulations to Zach Meyer ’24 for an excellent 21st place finish in the MSHSL Class A State Cross Country race! He earned all -state honors! This finish comes after a particularly tough slip and fall while running on the course. Zach showed his resilience and still managed to complete the race with the incredible time of 16:47.6.

Zach is the son of Jai and Andy Meyer of St. Joseph. He is the brother of Ben and Sam ’22.

Zach is is looking forward to competing in his senior track and field season this spring. He was a part of the 4x800m relay team that won the Zach placed 4th in the state 800 race. He was also part of the 4×400 relay that earned 5th place at the state meet.

Coaches’ Honors

Coaches Lance Nydeen and Stephen Woods ’09 were honored with Section 5A Head Boys’ Coach and Assistant Boys’ Coach of the Year Awards by the Minnesota State High School Cross Country Coaches Association! This is Stephen Wood’s Second year in a row earning the Assistant Class A Boys Coach of the Year and Lance Nydeen’s Second Class A Boys Head Coach of the Year honor.

The team is also coached by Kurt Salzl ’87, who has coached Nick and Zach in track and cross country since their 7th grade seasons.

The post Boys’ Cross Country Team Earns 7th place at State appeared first on Saint John's Prep.