AMES — There are crowded conditions at the start of many cross country races. But with 169 boys toeing the line, there was lots of shoulder bumping, early sprints and ‘pushing for position’ at the September 12, Gilbert Invitational on the Iowa State University campus.

Facing competition from Class 1A through 4A schools from central and eastern Iowa, Solon staked out 12th place. Host Gilbert claimed the title with 22 points; their five scoring runners among the first seven across the finish line. Pella (with 55) was the runner up in the team race, with their Canaan Dunham the individual winner (at 14:43).

For Solon, Anders Holmes’ 17:24 across the five kilometers was good for 39th place. Also boosting

Solon were Camden Lyons, (crossing 53rd in 17:45), Rene Meza (65th, 17:55), Evan Burg (76th, 18:10) and Spencer Michels (109th, 18:39).

“Anders really stepped up for us at Gilbert,” reviewed Williams. “Spencer was hurting a little, Anders took the lead. He and Camden Lyons each had strong races for us; really stepped up and competed well.”