Fort Dodge, Iowa — The Ballard women's cross country team capped off their season at the State Cross Country Meet at the Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge.  Seniors Annika Larson and Brynn Wilson led the team with strong individual performances, facing off against the state's top competitors.

Larson finished 37th overall, crossing the line at 19:45.6, while Wilson placed 60th with a time of 20:14.8.  Both runners showed resilience and determination, embodying the team's competitive spirit.  Pella dominated the meet, taking the top three individual spots and winning the team championship with a score of 23, while Sioux Center and Mount Vernon-Lisbon followed in second and third, respectively.

Head Coach Scott Barth reflected on the hard-fought season and praised his athletes' determination.  He highlighted Wilson's impressive journey, overcoming a season-long battle with congestion that had recently impacted her performance.  "Brynn has been battling congestion most of the season, but it cleared up at the State Qualifying Meet, where she ran a 20-second PR and moved up in the Ballard all-time 5K record book," said Barth.  "Unfortunately, the congestion came back this week and settled into a cough.  Considering she wasn't at 100%, she ran well and showed tremendous grit."

Coach Barth also commended Larson for her exceptional season, noting her rank as the fourth-fastest 5K runner in Ballard's history.  "Annika has been on a roll this season, ending with four wins out of her last five meets," Barth commented.  "She's a tremendous worker, very coachable, and one of the best to ever wear the Bomber 'B.'  While today wasn't her best, she's keeping it all in perspective and knows one meet doesn't define her season or career."

As the Bombers reflect on their state meet performance, both seniors leave a legacy of hard work, resilience, and achievement. For the Ballard Bombers, Larson and Wilson will be remembered as two of the best, showcasing what it means to compete with heart and pride.