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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Olson takes first at state track meet

Marcus White
Posted 6/12/19

ST PAUL - Ely Junior Luke Olson is fast. How fast? He’s won every single 800-meter title in section 7A this season and now he can add the state title to his list of accomplishments.

“He fought hard in his prelims,” Head Coach Will Helms said. “He ran really strong in his first lap which caused the other runners to need to adapt. No one could keep up with him.”

With a time of 1:55.48, Olson was more than a second ahead of Jaden Maanum of Morris/Chokio, who finished next in line in the event.

To get Olson all the way to the top, Helms said the team made some last-minute adjustments that would keep him focused on the single event.

Olson was set to compete on a relay team as well, but Helms said the 800-meter event was more important. The relay team ultimately finished in last place.

Helms said next year will be different with Olson likely remaining on the relay team to give them a boost and hopefully garner them a state title as a team.

With Olson only being a junior, he has one more year to improve his times and potentially qualify for more events in both relay and other racing distances.

Olson was the only Timberwolf to place in the tournament held last week in St. Paul.

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Olson takes first at state track meet

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