Finley McConniel of Freeman Academy/Marion not only won an individual state title on Saturday in Rapid City at Hart Ranch, but it was also the most entertaining finish of the six races.
As he and Silas Holdeman of Mitchell Christian turned the final corner and hit the final straightaway towards the finish line, they were neck and neck. When they crossed the finish, in real-time and to the naked eye, it was too close to call.
McConniel edged out the victory a mere .03 seconds ahead of Holdeman.
“I was so happy. It was just great. I’ve never been more relieved in my life,” McConniel said. “This is what I really wanted. I’ve worked so hard. Ever since my seventh and eighth grade year I just wanted a [championship]. I wanted a state title. And after I finally learned I did it, just so relieving.”
Finley McConniel of Freeman Academy/Marion with a narrow victory over Silas Holdeman of Mitchell Christian in the ‘B’ boys race. #SDPreps pic.twitter.com/Sv76n9OFXg
— SDPB Sports (@SDPBSports) October 26, 2024
McConniel mentioned that he knew early on it could be a race that came down to the wire.
“Probably about 800m out. I knew that he was either playing mind games or something, because I passed him for a little bit, and then he took off,” explained McConniel. “I knew it’s going to end fast, and who wanted it the most, and I pulled it out. I don’t know how.”
Initially, McConniel thought Holdeman won.
“I thought he won it,” he said chuckling. “Usually when it comes neck and neck, I usually don’t get them, so I thought he won it. But I got it – perfect.”
As a senior, this is McConniel’s final cross country meet at the high school level. He said it was dream ending for him.
“I wanted to end it perfectly,” he said. “Really close race, I wanted it like that – something hard. I knew it was going to be the hardest race of my life, and it was.”
Both runners will likely meet up again during the state track season.
