The Ballard men's cross country team showed its depth and determination Thursday at the Perry Invitational, earning a third-place finish in a competitive 10-team field.  The Bombers, ranked No. 19 in Class 3A, totaled 105 points to finish just three points behind runner-up Winterset (102) and well ahead of Saydel (116) and Greene County (144).  Sixth-ranked ADM claimed the team title with 30 points.

Even without their usual frontrunner Max Davidson, who sat out with a shoulder injury, the Bombers turned in a gritty team effort.  Graden Hermann and Austin Vance led the way, placing 14th (18:14.65) and 15th (18:15.57), running side by side much of the race.  Parker Domino crossed next in 21st (19:06.13), followed by Owen Davidson in 25th (19:23.03) and Isaac Swisher in 30th (19:50.43) to round out Ballard's scoring five.  Evan Newman and Daughtry Franks completed the varsity lineup in 44th (20:35.74) and 45th (20:50.16).

Head coach Scott Barth praised the team's ability to compete at a high level despite being shorthanded.

"Like the girls, we were missing a key runner in our lineup, but the boys stepped up with some good running to take third," Barth said.  "Even without Max, we nearly held on for that second team spot behind a solid Winterset team. The effort and consistency were great to see."

Barth also highlighted the continued progress of freshman Ethan Johnson, who ran another personal best of 19:42 in the JV race and will rejoin the varsity lineup next week.

"Ethan's emergence is encouraging — he's only a freshman, but he already understands how to pace and build through a race," Barth added.  "He and Daughtry are both young runners who are working hard and pushing for varsity spots, which bodes well for our program's future."

Up Next: Ballard competes at Fort Dodge on October 9 at 4:30 PM.

PHOTO CREDIT: Davidson Photography