HUXLEY — The Ballard men's track and field team delivered a statement performance on Thursday night at the Bomber Relays, capturing the team title in commanding fashion with 168 points—55 ahead of runner-up South Hamilton (113) and well ahead of third-place South Tama County (80).

The Bombers were electric across every event group, combining sprint speed, distance dominance, relay precision, and field event power to dominate the competition.  The night featured 11 personal records (PRs) from individual athletes and two relay teams posting season-best (SB) times, a testament to the team's growth and momentum this spring.

Junior Chase Ihle and Stetson Kane set the tone early with a 1-2 finish in the 110m hurdles, running 15.44 (PR) and 15.83, respectively.  Ihle also soared to second in the long jump (20-09.50), while Kane helped Ballard secure the top spot in the shuttle hurdle relay (1:01.26) alongside Kiir Wol and Aiden Wilson.

Distance standout Max Davidson had another stellar night, capturing gold in both the 1600m (4:43.87 PR) and 3200m (10:00.55) and anchoring the winning distance medley relay (3:48.48). He teamed with Liam Hurst, Jalen Shaw, and Jude Jones for the DMR title.

In the 800m, sophomore Graden Hermann earned gold with a personal best of 2:05.66, while freshman Austin Vance followed up with second place in the 1600m (4:48.24 PR). Hermann and Vance later helped power Ballard to a first-place finish in the 4x800m relay (8:54.87), joining forces with Caleb Hill and Dillon Shoen.

Sophomore sprinter Jace Ortner posted a PR in the 200m (23.01) to place second and helped the sprint medley relay squad finish runner-up (1:41.10).  Ballard's 4x400m relay (3:40.28) also clocked a season-best time to take second, with legs from Bryce Miller, Tate Leland, Alxton Campbell, and Shoen.

In the field events, Parker Miller soared to a PR in the high jump at 6-04 to win the event, and Kanen DeYoung grabbed second at 5-10, securing valuable team points.

Up next, the Bombers travel to South Hardin on Friday, April 25 at 4:30 PM to continue their spring campaign.

Photo Credit: Davidson Photography