By CHRIS RANDAZZO
of The Gazette
Stevens Point Area Senior High School's Chris Solinsky finished what had already been an impressive cross country season on a high note.
Solinsky, the WIAA Division 1 Cross Country champion for the second straight year, took third at the Foot Locker Cross Country National Final in Orlando, Fla. on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Solinsky finished in a time of 14:52, only two seconds behind the winner, Bobby Moore (Novi, Mich.). That time was Solinsky's best, beating his previous best by 15 seconds. It was also the best finish ever by a Wisconsin male (Suzy Favor Hamilton finished second in 1985).
The temperature at the race made Solinsky's time even more impressive. SPASH cross country coach Donn Behnke, who made the trip with Solinsky, said it was 80 degrees with 100 percent humidity.
"He's been really determined to take that next step and compete with the best kids in the nation. We really increased his workload and that's been a big part of the reason for his success.
"He's also been willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, and what it takes is a tremendous amount of work," Behnke said.
Solinsky qualified for nationals by finishing second in the Foot Locker Midwest Regional on Nov. 24, which was also won by Moore. The top eight finishers in the regional moved on to the national race.
The Midwest team, which Moore and Solinsky were both on, finished first in the team competition.
Solinsky was the top finisher among juniors, and was one of only two non-seniors to finish in the top 10.
Still, Solinsky thinks he can do even better next year. "I definitely feel I could train harder because there were parts of the season where I wasn't into it mentally," he said. "I need to work on my mental toughness and avoid breakdowns during runs."
Behnke agrees that Solinsky has room for improvement. "He's got to become a better track runner and improve his finishing speed. He matched those guys (the No. 1 and 2 finishers) but he just couldn't kick past them," he said.
Because Solinsky is a junior, he will have the chance to qualify and compete in the event again next year. He would be the event's top returner if he does qualify.
"Being the top returner I know everyone will be watching me, but I'll try to approach nationals the same way as I did this year. I managed not to think about it until about a half-hour before the race.
"They really do a job of keeping you distracted out there by giving you a full schedule. I was more calm for this race than for many races during the regular season," Solinsky said.