TROY MILLS — Solon’s cross country teams ended their regular seasons with a pair of strong showings at the Bob Mudd Lynx Invitational hosted by North Linn High School Saturday morning. The girls cruised to the team title putting three runners in the top six, while the boys continue to improve despite being without two of their top runners. The Lady Spartans posted 54 points, easily beating class 3A 10th ranked Marion (85), Washington and Class 2A 4th ranked Tipton (92 each). The boys placed 4th (119 pts.) behind three ranked teams including champion Washington (69), ranked 8th in Class 3A.

Freshman Kinley Mai led the girls effort with a 4th place finish in 19:37. Senior Sydney Dee and freshman Livya Nelson were seconds behind in 5th and 6th. Senior Ella Sheeley (20:50 ) and freshman Addison Seamans (21:14) rounded out the scoring slots, placing 17th and 27th overall. F

reshman were sprinkled throughout the scoring positions for the boys also. Anders Holmes (Fr.) moved up steadily from 20th at the midway point to finish 10th with a solid kick and a 17:25 clocking. Juniors Rena Meza and Camden Lyons placed 24th and 27th running 17:59 and 18:14. Freshmen Deacon Waddell (18:30) and Preston Raasch (18:33) were next to cross the finish line placing 33rd and 35th.

Two Solon veterans returned from injuries to win the JV races and will join the varsity teams for the WaMaC meet today (October 17) at Antioch Church in Marion. Senior Evan Burg won in 18:41 while Rowles’ 22:04 bested all JV girls. Rowles finished 24th in last year’s WaMaC meet while Burg placed 26th.

The girls JV team dominated, placing six runners in the top 15 and eight in the top 20 to win easily. The boys placed second. Head Coach Emy Williams was pleased with all the teams. “Today was a great day for us. This week we’ll start tapering so everyone’s legs will feel more fresh for the post season meets coming up.”

After WaMaC competition, the varsity squads will return home for the state qualifying meet October 23 at SRNA. Three boys teams, three girls teams and the top 15 individual finishers in each race will advance to the state meet in Fort Dodge November 1.