Two-time XC state qualifier Mason Deeter signs with NIACC

By John Burbridge sports@charlescitypress.com

CHARLES CITY — This often brutal past winter has wreaked havoc on high school sports schedules.

Same can be said about college signings.

More than a month ago, Charles City senior Mason Deeter planned a public signing of him continuing his cross country and track careers at North Iowa Area Community College.

The signing was due to take place at the high school, but inclement weather cancelled school that day forcing a rescheduling for the following week. But the rescheduled signing was also thwarted by a weather-related school cancelling.

Deeter was going to NIACC next fall no matter what — unless the accumulated snow days of this current school year breach all the way into September.

On Wednesday, Deeter finally formally signed the dotted line in front of a bevy of teammates and supporters.

“It took three times, but we finally got it done,” Deeter said after Wednesday’s signing.

It may take four attempts, but Deeter’s primary goal this track and field season is to qualify for state for the first time. He is a two-time state cross country individual qualifier.

“I think I have a good chance in the mile (1,600-meter run) and with the 4-by-800 relay,” Deeter said.

At the Northeast Iowa Conference Indoor T&F Meet at Wartburg College on Tuesday, Deeter placed third in the 1,600 with a time of 5 minutes, 2.45 seconds — 4 seconds behind runner-up Matthew Franzen of Decorah. Waverly-Shell Rock standout Sam Kepford won the race with a time of 4:39.82.

“I was pretty happy with my (1,600) time,” said Deeter, who recorded a personal-best time of 4:59.41 in the 1,600 last track season.

Deeter was also the opening runner in the Comets’ 4-by-400 relay team as he and teammates Dylan Koresh, Colton Slinger and Cael Bohlen won their heat with a time of 3:51.21.

Deeter plans to major in business at NIACC.