FORT DODGE — The Solon boys’ cross country team entered 2024 off a remarkable run of 4 straight state meet appearances, including a team runner up, a fifth place finish and two WaMaC team titles. With the loss of five key seniors from last year, this year’s freshman class would have ample opportunity to contribute to the varsity. Anders Holmes stepped up to that challenge and inserted himself as the team’s leader early in the season as the injury bug bit the two top returners from 2023.
Holmes rookie season ended in Fort Dodge Friday November 1 at the Iowa Class 3A state championship race. The freshman turned in a 17:07 performance, good for 49th place in crisp but sunny conditions. “He just ran his race. He did what he did all year long, he just moved up the entire race, moving up, moving up, moving up,” said a proud Solon Head Coach Emmie Williams.
Holmes was happy with his performance. “The first mile and a half was so fun.”
Lakeside Golf Course is home to the state meet and is lined Tour De France style with screaming fans over much of the first mile and a half.
However, a side stitch interrupted Holmes’ stroll at the halfway point in the 5k. “It kinda negated that good feeling in the first half of the race. It made it uncomfortable,” Holmes said. It was not going to slow him down though as he moved up despite the pain. Holmes navigated through the field of 132 runners to 71st at the mile and 63rd at the 2 mile before ignoring the cramp and finishing 49th.
“We’ll be in a much better position next year with our top three intact,” Holmes predicted. Two event state track qualifier Spencer Michaels, leads a trio of juniors (Rena Meza and Camden Lyons), along with Holmes and fellow freshman Preston Raasch and Deacon Waddell all looking forward to next year as returning varsity runners. More freshman help could be on the way next year again. Solon claimed third in the middle school 3A state championship along with a WaMaC title this year, each despite having their top runner sidelined due to injury.
Williams expects to have a full boys team in Fort Dodge next year. “None of the juniors had the season I think they wanted to have. I expect we will see some great senior leadership next year and I’m excited to see what we add with the freshman class.”