The Solon Girls’ and Boys’ Track teams hit the blue oval at Drake Stadium April 24–26, taking on some of the best competition in Iowa at the Drake Relays. The girls’ team punched their ticket in both the 4×400 and 4×100 relays, while the boys’ team was represented by sophomore high jumper Kaden Hoeper.

In the 4×400, freshman Quinn Armentrout, sophomore Jerzey Haluska, senior Grace Hoeper, and senior Kobi Lietz blazed to a 4:04.53 finish, placing 20th overall. Quinn set the tone with an electric 59.41 opening leg, and Kobi closed it out strong with a 59.93 anchor. Though they were aiming higher, just qualifying for the Drake Relays is an incredible achievement.

Kaden Hoeper showed major resilience in the boys’ high jump. After no-heighting as a freshman, he came back with something to prove, and he delivered. Kaden jumped 6’-2”, tying for 14th place among Iowa’s best.

The 4×100 team brought the heat, too. Juniors Piper Stahle and Marin Ashbacker, freshman Sydney Kunkel, and senior Kobi Lietz ran a season-best 50.35, finishing third in their heat and 29th overall out of 96 teams. Kobi ran an impressive 11.64 split on the anchor, while Marin ran a 12.58 second leg, keeping the Spartans right in the mix.

Both the girls’ and boys’ teams will set their sights on the state meet, where they will compete against the top 3A teams in Iowa Thursday, May 22, through Saturday, May 24. The 3A Qualifying Meet is set for Thursday, May 15 at Mount Vernon.