SOLON, Iowa - Marie Hostetler was excited to race another of the state's top runners here Monday at the Solon Invitational. Instead, she ended up competing against the course.
It turned out well for the Mid-Prairie senior.
Hostetler completed the race in a winning time of 18:24 to easily outdistance second-place Hannah Bientema of Bettendorf (20:21). Clear Creek Amana's Haidyn Barker took third (20:29).
Hostetler finished second in this race a year ago behind Iowa City Liberty's Ashlyn Keeney. She was expecting a rematch. Instead, the Lightning held out its top runners after competing in Cedar Falls on Thursday.
Bettendorf grabbed the girls team title with 49 points. Mid-Prairie finished second (65) and Williamsburg ended up third (84).
On the boys side, Tipton's Caleb Shumaker claimed gold with a time of 16:44. Liberty High's Bowen Gryp (16:57) and Jack Kinzer (17:07) finished second and third, respectively.
Liberty captured the boys team title with 30 points. Tipton came in second (45) and North Scott ended up third (86).
You can watch the boys race HERE.
The girls race can be viewed HERE.
Photos from both races are HERE.
Hostetler talks about her win HERE.
Shumaker discusses his victory HERE.