The Ballard men's track team showcased their exceptional talent and determination at the State Qualifying Meet held at North Polk. With a stellar performance across various events, the team demonstrated their readiness for the upcoming state championship.
The meet was marked by outstanding achievements, including nine personal records (PR) set by Ballard athletes. Among these were standout performances by Jackson Wacha, Carter Sparks, Bryce Miller, Caden Anderson, Liam Hurst, Sid Farmer, and Graden Hermann, each achieving new personal bests in their respective events.
In the field events, Jackson Wacha soared to a new PR in shot put with an impressive throw of 44 feet and 8 inches, while Carter Sparks also impressed with a PR of 41 feet and 2.5 inches in the same event. Bryce Miller showcased his skills in the long jump, achieving a PR of 18 feet and 3 inches.
On the track, Caden Anderson and Liam Hurst blazed through the 100-meter dash, with Anderson setting a new PR of 11.89 seconds and Hurst clocking in at 11.49 seconds, also a PR. Sid Farmer electrified the competition with his PR of 23.89 seconds in the 200-meter dash, further highlighting Ballard's sprinting prowess.
The team's relay performances were equally remarkable, with six relays achieving season-best times. The Sprint Medley relay, featuring Eric Sydnes, Sid Farmer, Eli Rouse, and Chance Lande, broke the school record for the third time this season, finishing in third place with a time of 1 minute and 34.65 seconds.
The State Qualifying Meet also saw Ballard athletes securing spots in the state championships across nine events, showcasing the team's depth and versatility. Notable state qualifiers include Parker Miller and Chase Ihle in the high jump and long jump, respectively, as well as outstanding relay teams such as the 4x800 and Shuttle Hurdle relays.
Individual successes were abundant, with Jameson Witt, Stetson Kane, and Eli Rouse delivering standout performances in their respective events. Witt impressed with a PR of 50.22 seconds in the 400-meter dash, while Kane dominated the 110 High Hurdles, claiming first place in 15.19 seconds. Rouse showcased his speed in the 200-meter dash, setting a PR of 22.66 seconds.
The 4x400 relay team, consisting of Jameson Witt, Jakson Fleischmann, Eli Rouse, and Chance Lande, sealed Ballard's dominance with a first-place finish and a time of 3 minutes and 24.87 seconds.
In total, Ballard will be represented by 17 different athletes across nine events at the state championships, a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and competitive spirit. As they head to the state meet, the Ballard men's track team is poised to make a significant impact and continue their legacy of excellence in track and field.
The Bombers will be back in action on Thursday, May 16, as they participate in the State Meet at Drake Stadium. The meet is scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM.
Comments From Men's Head Coach Darren Herrold:
"An outstanding evening for our men's track team and the Ballard Community. Our men competed in a very tough state qualifying meet and earned a highly respectable 2nd place finish. That is a testament to our athletes work ethic throughout this entire season.
TEAM SCORES
1. North Polk, 153
2. Ballard, 114
3. Carlisle, 110
4. Winterset, 109
5. Nevada, 102
6. South Tama, 78
7. Bondurant-Farrar, 50
8. Perry, 18
Photo Credit: Davidson Photography