The Ballard women's track team kicked off the '24 season hosting the Ballard Invitational.  Ava Vance finished first in the 3000 meters with a time of 11:27.  Ava Richardson finished first in the 800 meters with a time of 2:35.  The 4x800 meter relay team of Ava Richardson, Brenna Baumgarder, Raya Miller and Brynn Wilson finished second with a time of 10:41.  The distance medley relay team of Halle Gardner, Raegan Loewe, Jada Lande and Annika Larson finished second in a time of 4:41.  Brynn Wilson placed 2nd in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1:18.

The Bombers are back in action on Tuesday - April 2 when they compete in the Gilbert Invitational.  The meet will start at 4:30 PM.

Comments From Women's Head Coach Scott Barth:

"We had some solid efforts in our first meet of the season.  It was nice kicking it off at home and I know the athletes appreciated the support they had in the stands and along the fence.  We had two athletes get individual gold in placing first in their events.  Ava Vance took 1st in the 3000 meters with a time of 11:27.  Ava Richardson placed 1st in the 800 meters with a time of 2:35.

We also had some second place finishers on the night.  The 4x800 meter relay team of Ava Richardson, Brenna Baumgarder, Raya Miller and Brynn Wilson took 2nd in a time of 10:41.  The distance medley relay team of Halle Gardner, Raegan Loewe, Jada Lande and Annika Larson finished 2nd in a time of 4:41.  Brynn Wilson placed 2nd in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1:18.

Our 3rd place finishers on the night were the sprint medley relay team of Grace Grundmeyer, Nora Loveland, Halle Gardner, and Katie Tollefson placed 3rd in time of 1:59.  In the 100 meter hurdles, Anya Jorgensen finished 3rd with a time of 17.66.  Annika LArson finished 3rd in the 1500 meters with a time of 5:13. 

Other point getters for the Bombers were Kya Hermann in the 3000 meters, the 4x200 meter relay team, Raya Miller in the 800 meters, and Ava Vance in the 400 hurdles.

Overall, I am very proud of the girls and the effort they put into the competition tonight.  What has impressed me the most with this year's team is our athletes willingness to step up and do whatever it takes to help the team.  Sydney Ehresman, Madeline Schonhorst, Raegan Loewe, and Jada Lande all helped cover spots when athletes were not able to compete.  We also have Raegan, Sydney, Madeline, and Alayna Bowman willing to try the 100 meter hurdles to help fill a spot which will help get the shuttle hurdle relay back on the track.  That is the kind of attitude which will help us improve and grow over the course of the season.  This was a very competitive meet and getting 3rd is a good starting point for us and we look forward to building on this moving forward."

TEAM SCORES

1. Norwalk, 119

2. Bondurant-Farrar, 87

3. Ballard, 73

4. Carlisle, 69

5. Grinnell, 62

6. Des Moines Christian, 61

7. South Hardin, 58

8. South Hamilton, 53

Photo Credit: Davidson Photography