The Ballard men's track and field team put together an outstanding showing Thursday night at the State Qualifying Meet hosted by North Polk High School, qualifying multiple events for the Iowa State Track and Field Championships and turning in several season-best performances along the way.

Senior hurdler Stetson Kane punched his ticket to state in the 110-meter high hurdles after placing second in a loaded finals race. Kane crossed the line in 14.85 seconds, just behind Gilbert senior Aidan Rash (14.60), while narrowly edging Winterset's Jace Bellamy (14.88). Ballard junior Curtis Hinzman also competed in the event and finished fourth with a time of 15.66.

Junior Jace Ortner earned a state qualification in dominant fashion in the open 400-meter dash. Ortner captured the district title with a winning time of 49.55, finishing ahead of North Polk's Dylan Bormann (50.18). Ballard also received a strong effort from Jude Jones, who placed fourth in 53.84.

The Bombers continued their success in the relays, highlighted by a first-place finish in the Sprint Medley Relay. The quartet of Liam Hurst, Aidan Wilson, Jace Ortner, and Axton Campbell raced to a winning time of 1:35.60, narrowly holding off Gilbert by three-tenths of a second to secure an automatic state berth.

Ballard's Shuttle Hurdle Relay team of Chase Ihle, Aidan Wilson, Curtis Hinzman, and Stetson Kane also delivered a state-qualifying performance. The Bombers showcased depth in the hurdles throughout the evening, combining clean exchanges with aggressive attacking over the barriers.

Another state qualification came in the 4x400-meter relay, where Tate Leland, Axton Campbell, Graden Hermann, and Jace Ortner earned a trip to Des Moines with a strong finish. Ballard's lineup blended youth and experience effectively, continuing the team's momentum late into the meet.

The Distance Medley Relay also advanced to state after recording a season-best time of 3:39.47. The team of Liam Hurst, Aidan Wilson, Tate Leland, and Graden Hermann delivered one of Ballard's top relay performances of the season, using a strong final leg to secure qualification.

In the 4x800-meter relay, Austin Vance, Graden Hermann, Declan O'Brien, and Axton Campbell placed second overall with a time of 8:28.14. Gilbert won the event in 8:22.68, while Ballard finished comfortably ahead of Boone and North Polk in another strong distance showing for the Bombers.

Up Next: The Iowa State Track and Field Championships will take place Thursday through Saturday, May 21-23, in Des Moines.

Photo Credit: Danielle Chrisco