Benzing's weekend: 4 of a kind

DES MOINES -- Lauren Benzing's weekend was coated with bronze.

Third in the 3,000. Third in the distance medley relay.

And Saturday, third in the 800 and the 1,500.

"I look at it as an honor," the Solon High School junior said when she had completed her itinerary at the state track meet at Drake Stadium.

"It's hard to get third over and over and over, but it's better than fourth, fifth or sixth. And it's good to be contributing for my team."

The most riveting of the four girls' team races, Dubuque Wahlert retained its crown with 90 points. Davenport Assumption was second with 80; Solon was -- wouldn't you know it -- third with 59.

Benzing ran the 800 in 2:17.75, then traversed the 1,500 in 4:50.85. Madison Waymire of Dallas Center-Grimes and Anna Holdimann of Waverly-Shell Rock were 1-2 in the 800, then switched spots in the 1,500.

"The 1,500 is certainly my favorite race," Benzing said. "I really like the pace, and the distance doesn't take forever. And if you mess up, you have time to make up for it."

Emily Bransky grabbed another third place for Solon, in the 100. It helped make up for a disappointment Friday in the long jump, in which she scratched three times.

"I didn't sleep very well (Friday) night," Bransky said. "I finally woke up with a nightmare."

She laughed: "I'm glad I didn't get disqualified and actually got to run."

Bransky ran in 12.83. Sydney Howard of Fairfield won it 12.46.