Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

MANCHESTER – Before the clock had hit five on Wednesday evening Kayla Young had already had herself a full week.

The Solon senior standout locked up her future plans on Monday when she committed to continue her career at the University of Northern Iowa.

“I’ve been visiting colleges and UNI just felt like the best place for me,” Young said. “I loved the coaches, the girls were all really nice, I got to go on an official visit and I loved everything about it.”

A week to remember for Young continued on Wednesday when she helped her current team return to the state cross country meet.

Young won the individual title at the Class 3A state qualifying meet at Hart Ridge Golf Course in Manchester on Wednesday helping fifth-ranked Solon claim the team title.

The new Northern Iowa commit won the individual title in a time of 18:32.59 as Solon put four runners in the top 12.

“It’s such a relief to not have to think about it anymore,” Young said of her college decision. “To know that I am going to have the chance to run at a Division I college is so cool.”

The ascent for Young started last year at this time when she claimed her first ever prep win at the state qualifier.

On Wednesday Young continued a stellar senior season by running away from the field early on her way to an impressive win.

Young finished more than 30 seconds in front of runner-up Haidyn Barker of Clear Creek Amana who was second in 19:08.81.

“I think is a relief as a senior to have that decision made and she is just going out and seeing what she can do,” Solon coach Emy Williams said. “She has the school record and so now it is just how low can she get it.”

Young was impressive on Wednesday but had plenty of help.

Sophomore Sydney Dee finished seventh in her first ever state qualifier appearance as Solon finished with 40 points, 36 clear of runner-up Clear Creek Amana.

“I’m really happy,” Dee said. “I was expecting to be where I am this year in my first year of high school cross country so I am really happy with where I am at and what I’ve been able to do to help our team.”

The depth that helped Solon win the Class 3A state title last season helped the Spartans return to Fort Dodge on Wednesday.

Even without regular Anna Quillin in the lineup the Spartans had six runners finish in the top 20.

Gracie Federspiel placed eighth in a time of 20:06.56 and senior Mary Fiala finished 12^th in 20:11.03.

“Today is about the team more than anything else,” Young said. “It’s not about you any more it’s about us and it’s about coming together to do something big together.”

Ashlyn Williams placed 16^th for Solon in 20:32.69 and Mara Duster finished 20^th in 20:51.48.

Class 3A State Qualifier

At Hart Ridge Golf Course

Team scores – 1. Solon 40; 2. Clear Creek Amana 76; 3. Clear Lake 83; 4. Dubuque Wahlert 107; 5. Decorah 126; 6. Marion 162; 7. Cedar Rapids Xavier 164; 8. Waverly-Shell Rock 165; 9. Charles City 260; 10. West Delaware 277; 11. Vinton-Shellsburg 322

Individual Leaders – 1. Kayla Young (SOL) 18:32.59; 2. Haidyn Barker (CCA) 19:08.81; 3. Addison Doughan (CL) 19:09.88; 4. Emma Arnold (CRX) 19:42.73; 5. Lucy Murphy (DW) 19:52.75; 6. Lydia Maas (HDC) 19:54.73; 7. Sydney Dee (SOL) 20:00.94; 8. Gracie Federspiel (SOL) 20:06.56; 9. Lilah Takes (DW) 20:10.18; 10. Sara Kinzenbaw (CCA) 20:10.92; 11. Lilian Graham (DW) 20:11.01; 12. Mary Fiala (SOL) 20:11.03; 13. Emily McLaughlin (CL) 20:12.06; 14. Kira Barker (CCA) 20:19.36; 15. Sydney Bochmann (W-SR) 20:21.1

Solon (40) – 1. Kayla Young 18:32.59; 7. Sydney Dee 20:00.94; 8. Gracie Federspiel 20:06.56; 12. Mary Fiala 20:11.03; 16. Ashlyn Williams 20:32.69; 20. Mara Duster 20:51.48; 44. Ella Sheeley 21:39.81

Clear Creek Amana (76) – 2. Haidyn Barker 19:08.81; 10. Sara Kinzenbaw 20:10.92; 14. Kira Barker 20:19.36; 25. Harper Tecklenburg 21:02.29; 29. Kiera Rogers 21:08.9; 40. Raegan Wyant 21:30.78; 52. Eva Leighton-Dick 22:03.92

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