ALTON - Carson Klasner of Marquette Catholic High School earned a sectional berth with a fourth-place finish at the IHSA Class 1A cross-country regional at Trenton Wesclin during the 2026 season.
Klasner finished in 16 minutes, 35 seconds, placing among the top five to advance to the sectional meet in Murphysboro.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
A sophomore during the 2026 cross-country season, Klasner also broke the school’s cross-country record and won the Gateway Metro Conference championship.
Blake Marth, the head Marquette Catholic boys cross-country coach, made this statement about his talented runner: "Carson is an excepitonally hard working kid, more than just physical talent. He runs with a lot of heart and determination. He has really grown, starting cross country for the first time last year as a freshman. Now he has set the Marquette boys' cross country record. His future is very bright for cross country and also track and field. He goes about running with the right attitude and gives his best effort, and grows and learns."
Klasner's 2026 season included a 3-mile time of 17:05.1 at the Highland Cross Country Invitational and a 17:10 finish at the Madison County Cross Country Meet.
During his freshman outdoor track and field season in 2026, Klasner set a personal best of 4:56.36 in the 1,600 meters at the All-Catholic Invitational. It was Marquette Catholic’s fastest time in the event this past spring.
He also recorded a personal best of 11:56.3 this past season in the 3,200 meters at the CM Outdoor Opener.
