The Ballard men's cross country team battled through challenges at the Heartland Classic, finishing 21st in the elite 24-team field with a score of 615. The meet featured several of the state's strongest programs, and while the Bombers slipped behind some squads they had previously beaten, the team remains optimistic moving forward.

Team Results (Places 18–24):
18. Pella Christian – 506 (81st)
19. Nevada – 554 (110th)
20. Winterset – 583 (111th)
21. Ballard – 615 (155th)
22. Des Moines Lincoln – 632 (158th)
23. North Polk – 652 (160th)
24. Sioux City East – 670 (162nd)

Leading Ballard was Max Davidson, who returned to the team's top spot, finishing 87th overall in 17:30.20 (officially 81st in team scoring). Graden Hermann (18:05.40, 122nd/110th team score) and Austin Vance (18:05.90, 123rd/111th team score) finished tightly together, giving the Bombers a strong second and third.

The lineup then saw a gap, with Isaac Swisher (20:04.30, 173rd/155th team score), Ethan Johnson (20:11.90, 176th/158th), Jude Jones (20:18.30, 179th/160th), and Evan Newman (20:36.70, 182nd/162nd) closing out Ballard's scoring. Johnson earned special recognition, cutting over a minute off his career PR in his varsity opportunity. Daughtry Franks (20:42.30, 183rd) and Aksel Peterson (21:00.30, 184th) also added depth.

Head Coach Scott Barth acknowledged that the team faced hurdles coming into the race, with injuries and lineup changes impacting performance.

"Our team score suffered in response to those challenges. Three teams we had been beating in previous meets snuck up and got us today. It is understandable, however, considering the challenges, and I know we will bounce back and refocus on health and quality training," Barth said.

Barth also pointed to the absence of Parker Domino, who had been running in the crucial mid-pack role for Ballard, as a factor in the scoring gap. Domino is expected back for the next meet.

"I can't say that I am disappointed in our effort, as I do think we gave what we had for the most part. We do have to refocus on what will take us from a good team to a great team and set us up for the postseason," Barth added. "We have the guys on this team to get things done. This was just a blip on the radar, and I am certain the guys will be motivated to bounce back at Roland-Story on Thursday."

Ballard will return to action on Thursday, September 25, at the Roland-Story Invitational, beginning at 4:30 PM.

Photo Credit: Amy Davidson