Solon’s Ham excels at state qualifier

MARION - Solon's Connor Ham loves the challenge of hurdles.

They are his favorite event and he has excelled, winning the Class 3A state title last year as a sophomore. They were also a source of disappointment when he fell and failed to finish the event at the Drake Relays.

Ham has left that experience behind him like the rest of the field he raced during the Iowa High School Athletic Association 3A state qualifier meet in cold, rainy conditions Thursday night at Thomas Park. He won two individual events and anchored two winning relays for the Spartans.

Ham bolted to a time of 14.67 to win the 110 hurdles, running faster than his state championship time.

'It's fun,” Ham said. 'Anyone can run. It's more than just running … Every time you go over a hurdle you can fail. That risk and reward is great.”

He was humbled at the Drake Relays. Ham has set his sights forward and is determined to make up for it at state.

'It grounds you when you go from not losing to not finishing,” Ham said. 'It gives me motivation to get back to the ‘Blue Oval' and get my medal back.”

Solon Coach Mark Sovers said he is proud of ham for the way he has recovered and handled the setback. He also praised his efforts to run a relay, leaving him just 10 minutes of rest before his favorite event.

'He made that sacrifice for our team,” Sovers said. 'That is the type of athlete he has become. He is unselfish.”

Ham also claimed the 200, finishing in 22.69. He helped the Spartans to titles in the 400 and 800 relays, teaming with Brandon Childs, Nate Christensen and Jordan Wymer in both.

'He has come into his own as far as sprints,” Sovers said. 'He's never satisfied and settles for where he is at. He's looking to grow.”

Solon captured the team title with 130 points. The Spartans Dalton Ferguson won the shot put (59 feet, 10 inches) and Tanner Wymer captured the discus (153-10). Sovers has big hopes for state.

'They go out to win everything they are involved in,” Sovers said. 'I really enjoy this group for their high standards, not just for themselves but for the team.”

Anamosa's Olivia Loy was just as impressive, winning the 100, 200 and 400. She seemed unfazed by the unpleasant conditions.

'It's good considering (the weather),” Loy said. 'I try not to let it bother me.”

Loy was clocked in 12.63 in the 100. She dominated the 400, posting a 58.11 was more than 1.2 seconds faster than the runner-up. She won the 200 by nearly two seconds with a time of 25.68.

Now she will get a chance to defend her 200 and 400 titles, looking to improve a fourth-place finish in the 100.

'I would like to get the 100 this year along with the 200 and 400,” Loy said. 'I've just been working on my start and arms in the 100.

'I'm really looking forward to state. I'm super excited.”

Cedar Rapids Xavier's Nick Stark had a successful day, winning the long jump with a leap of 20 feet, 2 ½ inches. He also won the 100 in 11.43. The Saints closed with a victory in the 1,600 relay.

The Marion boys won four titles. Devin Quinn won the high jump (5-10), Colton Forster won the 3,200 (10:05.98) and Jordan Garthwaite claimed the 400 (51.99) and was on the Indians champion 3,200 relay.

In the girl's competition, Solon was second to Dubuque Wahlert. The Spartans received titles from Shelby Gunnells in the shot put (43-11 ½), Josie Durr in the high jump (4-10) and the sprint medley relay.

Maquoketa's Hailey Schwenker won the 400 hurdles (1:08.55) and was a member of the Cardinals winning shuttle hurdle relay.

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