CEDAR RAPIDS — Championship season has arrived for high school cross country in Iowa, meaning the stakes are the highest they’ve been all season for the Solon Spartans. Solon competed at the WaMaC conference championship meet at Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids last Thursday, going head to head with some of the strongest teams in class 3A.
The Spartan girls placed second as a team behind an outstanding race from junior Falyn Svalstad, who finished second overall. The boys placed fifth following a gutsy 17th place finish from senior Spencer Michels.
Svalstad’s silver finish came in the time of 19:04, her career personal best. The junior has been on a tear this season, taking over the reins as the girls’ top runner.
“I was not expecting second place going into the race,” Svalstad said. “I was aiming for top seven, so it felt really good getting second.”
The junior sat in fourth place for most of the race but found a second gear to dominate the final half mile and make her way into second.
Svalstad reflected finding that second gear:
“I saw my coach, and I saw the runners in front of me. I knew I just needed to go, and I needed to go fast,” Svalstad said.
Sometimes that’s all you need as a runner to flip the switch. Solon head coach Emy Williams has been impressed by the junior’s mindset as the year has gone on.
“Falyn looked so strong, especially in the last 100 meters,” Coach Williams said. “It’s fun to see that confidence building in her.”
Coach Williams was complimentary of the girls’ performance as a team as well, with each of their top five finishers placing in the top 25 overall.
“We had three or four season bests today,” Coach Williams said. “I think that shows a lot about the grit and fight they showed during the race.”
For the Solon boys, the resurgence of Spencer Michels came in a major way. After dealing with multiple injuries over the last two seasons, the senior was the Spartans’ top finisher for the first time this season, coming in at 17:12.
Michels was a part of a four-man Solon pack for the first portion of the race but decided to take matters into his own hands midway through.
“After the first mile I was feeling really good,” Michels said. “I knew I had to take control and kick some butt.”
The senior passed multiple racers from opposing teams throughout the second half of the race on his way to a 17th place finish.
“Spencer is really coming on after dealing with his injuries, which is great to see for his senior year,” Coach Williams said. “I’m really proud of him and how hard he’s worked to get back to where he’s at today.”
Michels’ return to stellar form couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only did he lift his team to a fifth place finish in the conference, he’ll also play a huge role in the Spartan’s hunt for state qualification.
“I’m ready for districts,” Michels said. “We’re qualifying for state as a team and we’re gonna do some good things. No doubt in my mind.”
The state qualifying meet was held at West Delaware High School in Manchester on Wednesday, October 22nd. The top three teams from each district will qualify for the state meet, and individuals who place in the top-15 will qualify to run on their own if their team does not.
State Meet information
Friday, October 31
Class 3A State Meet at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course, Fort Dodge.
The course is north of Fort Dodge on Hwy. P59, approximately two miles north of the Fort Dodge Airport and Harlan Rogers Park.
Girls 2:00 p.m., Boys 2:45 p.m, Awards 3:30 p.m.
Admission $10 plus $3 parking fee.