Ethan Ashley, Nathan Solomon qualify for Eastbay Nationals!

Ethan Ashley Interview

Nathan Solomon Interview

The Race

Ethan Ashley from Denmark and Nathan Solomon from Shiloh ran so smart today and punched their tickets to San Diego for the 2021 Eastbay National Championships. Ashley and Solomon donned their team Georgia singlets and certainly looked like they were running the race as teammates. After a recall start (which Ashley claims helped him out) they both got out through the first straightaway right around 10th place to make sure they were near qualifying position early. After the mile they were still side by side and sitting in about 7-8th place. They stayed there the entire 2nd mile as not much happened with the lead pack which stayed bunched pretty much the whole way. With about 1K to go Ashley shot to the lead and brought Solomon with him as they approached the lake for the final sprint. Ashley held off everybody else and kicked it in for the win in 15:00 while Solomon looked around and realized he had a top 10 spot secured and smiled as he finished in 15:09. I always love when a kid gets to enjoy their accomplishment as it's happening, good for you Nathan! And of course, congrats on remaining undefeated on your season Ethan!

The rest of the team Georgia boys had a very strong showing taking runner up in the team competition with 60 points. Andrew McGinnis was 15th in 15:27, one place ahead of Edward Blaha who ran 15:28 while Mathew Fernando brought it home in 15:30 and 18th place.

Georgia's girls were led by Katelynn Dollar from Lyndon Academy who had a strong showing taking 18th place in a new PR of 17:45. Caroline Hood was next with an 18:19 followed by Grace Von Biberstein in 18:28. Carmel Yonas was next with 18:38 and Isabel Yonas closed out the Georgia girls scoring with her 19:19.

More Team Georgia coverage coming later this weekend