SOLON– The Spartan boys’ track and field team championed their home meet of the season, the Denny Gruber Coed Relays, moved to Saturday, April 24, with 167 team points.
The Spartans edged Marion (167), Anamosa (66), Mount Vernon (59), North Cedar (53), Vinton-Shellsburg (52), Pekin (26), Iowa City Regina (26) and Beckman (20) at Spartan Stadium.
The Denny Gruber Relays, originally slated for Tuesday, May 20, were postponed due to weather conditions. Head Coach Mark Sovers praised the move and bevy of fans it brought to Spartan Stadium.
“Saturday was very successful weather wise and prompted a lot of people to attend the meet.” Coach Sovers said.
Coach Sovers also praised the adjustments and execution by the athletic director and volunteers.
“Hosting a meet takes great people to help make it a success,” he explained. “Mr. Hack and all the volunteers did a tremendous job creating the opportunity for the Denny Gruber Relays to be a positive experience for everyone involved. We cannot thank them enough.”
Coach Sovers also praised the ability of the team to build on the successes of teammates, capitalizing in many events.
“We were really pleased with the growth our team is showing each and every meet,” he iterated. “We grew in so many areas on and off the track Saturday, and I believe our field events led the way in this area.”
Coach Sovers specifically cited the performance in the long jump by Parker Pentico, leaping a personal record of 19-10 for a third-place finish. He continued by identifying another personal record achieved by Colton Hoffman hitting 6-1 in the high jump placing him second on the podium and Oaken Foster leaped a personal best as well in the event, 5-10, to capture the bronze. Zach Harp captured silver status in both the shot put and the discus with throws of 48-3 3/4 and 152-8, respectively.
Coach Sovers said having athletes showcase their talents in front of the Spartan Nation added additional inspiration.
“Everyone had the opportunity to go out and compete at the Denny Gruber Relays and that is only going to help us to continue to develop everyone moving forward,” he explained. “The season is always an incredible journey to find out more about our role and how to help our teammates be successful and this meet was a great next step.”
Coach Sovers felt the Denny Gruber Relays were something special this season because COVID-19 robbed many athletes of the opportunity to perform last year.
“Not having a season last year, we believe, put us in position to enjoy every moment this year to go out and compete,” he stated. “Part of the journey of the season is to figure out what brings you joy when you are competing. When we can focus on our joy and our successes during competition, we focus on the right things. We believe last year helped to put that into focus for us, and never to take any opportunity we have for granted.”
Coach Sovers also praised the athletes’ ability to remain healthy with the hectic schedule of the 2021 season.
“The athletes have done a great job of taking the steps to stay healthy and ready for the stretch run of the track season,” he extolled. “We understand our actions matter and they are under our control. Credit goes to our athletes for setting themselves up for success and doing the things they know we all have to do to stay healthy.
“We are looking forward to what is ahead of us and not only helping individual goals come to life but also making our team goals becomes a reality,” he concluded. “Our track and field team is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. They know they can accomplish anything they want when they do it together, just like the first part of the season.”
The Spartans competed Monday, April 26, at the Wildcat Invitational at Maquoketa Valley and participate in the Clear Creek-Amana Pacha Relays, in Tiffin, at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 29.
On Monday, May 3, Solon treks to Camanche High School to compete in the Camanche Relays at 4 p.m. then it is off to the WaMaC Conference Meet, at Independence High School, on Thursday, May 6, at 4:30 p.m. The varsity boys state qualifier is hosted at Spartan Stadium on May 13.

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Eric Bilskie • Contributed Photo

The Spartan boys’ track and field team won its home meet of the season, the Denny Gruber Coed Relays, Saturday, April 24, with 167 team points.