SOLON — Last Wednesday the Solon varsity girls’ cross country team competed in their 2024 state qualifying meet. In a meet where pressure looms large over its competitors, the Solon girls had absolutely no fear in getting the job done.
The Lady Spartans faced tough competition from other schools such as Marion, Des Moines Christian, and Center Point-Urbana, who were vowing for a team bid to the state meet as well. After a dominant regular season and a runner-up finish at the WaMaC conference meet, Solon kept the train moving. Finishing comfortably at the top of the podium, the Spartan girls booked their ticket to the state championship meet.
With three of their top four finishers being freshman, senior Sydney Dee’s leadership at the front has been a pivotal element for success for Solon the entire season. Sydney has consistently found herself competing with the lead pack at meets. A personal best time of 19:05 on top of a third place individual finish helped Sydney and the Spartans capture some major momentum heading into this upcoming Friday’s state meet.
When asked about the team’s culture, Sydney emphasized the group’s tight-knit bond.
“(Teamwork) is such a big thing in this sport… we’re always so happy to see each other run great races.” Sydney followed up by looking ahead to the state meet with excitement and optimism.
“I’m nervous because it’s my senior season so it’s my last shot… I’m also excited to see how the freshmen do. We’ve got three freshmen on our varsity team and I think that’s very exciting.”
Solon head coach Emy Williams praised her freshmen after the race and shouted out the leadership of Sydney and fellow senior Ella Sheeley as well.
“We’ve had great senior leadership with Sydney and Ella who’ve welcomed the freshmen in on the team. We’re
super lucky to have them.”
Solon will be up against the state’s best on Friday at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge with a 10:30 a.m. start. Powerhouse Pella and familiar foes Mount Vernon-Lisbon lead the headlines as the teams to beat in class 3A. Sydney Dee will lead the Spartans from the starting line one last time after a terrific last 4 years. Tickets are available online at www.gobound.com/ia/
ihsaa/boyscrosscountry/2024-25/tickets.