Grady Olberding didn’t win his first two races of the season.
Olberding finished fourth at the Kirk Schmaltz Invitational in Ames, and was runner-up at the Cedar Rapids Invitational. He placed behind runners from Ankeny, Marshalltown, Des Moines Roosevelt and Iowa City West.
“I was able to really see where I’m at,” Olberding said. “That is a whole different level.
“Being a 3A school, I don’t always see runners like that. It is a good way to race.”
The MVL senior was overdue for a little gold.
“It felt really good,” Olberding said. “Coach told me and Dawson (Scheil), there isn’t really anyone close to you, so just take advantage of it, relax, and have fun.”
Olberding finished 33 seconds ahead of Scheil, who in turn, finished 25 seconds ahead of Clay Bohlmann of Tipton, to take the top two spots Monday, Sept. 23, at the Solon Invitational at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area.
“Both are having a really good season,” MVL coach Kory Swart said. “It was exciting not only from an individual standpoint, but great for the team.”
Mount Vernon-Lisbon boys won the team title at Solon, scoring 43 points to outpace Tipton (67). The MVL girls were runner-up to Solon, 49 to 58 points.
“It was good to see where we’re at against conference competition,” Coach Swart said. “That will help us moving forward. Solon ran a nice race. We pushed each other. And that will continue.”
Kiersten Swart finished runner-up in 19 minutes, 30.4 seconds. A very good time, but over a full minute behind defending state champion Noelle Steines of Tipton (18:27.9). Steines has won three straight 1A titles with Calamus-Wheatland (and now runs with Tipton).
“She’s a tough one,” Kiersten Swart said. “She has won a bunch, so I kind of set my own pace.”
Evelyn Moeller finished sixth and Rose Pisarik was 12th for the Mustangs. Sam Schoff (19), and Edith Dawson (21) also contributed to the team score. Miranda Sellner (22) and Cora Smith (25) were close behind.
“Rose had a really nice race,” Coach Swart said. “Our pack was a little more spread out (than Solon). We’re working on it.”
Following Olberding and Scheil on the boys’ side was Chasen Caskey (10), Zan Van Regenmorter (14) and Anthony Armstrong (16).
“They all broke 18 minutes, which was nice to see,” Coach Swart said.
MVL also showed off its depth, winning both JV races as a team and individually (Graham Vavricek and Emrie Johnson).
“That was one of the highlights of the night, for sure,” Coach Swart said. “Those kids are working every day to help our varsity and they have done such a wonderful job this year. They push each other and help everyone get better.”