By Mariah Lewis
Underdogs usually appear in sports like football or basketball. In these situations one team is smaller than its opponent (sometimes in size, number, or both). This team must then fight harder, move quicker and be more focused than the other to achieve a victory. The I-35 cross country team experienced this at the Ballard Invitational meet on September 12. This was the largest meet of the entire season with the exception of the state meet (which will take place October 29 at Fort Dodge). The Ballard meet was so massive, teams had to be classified as A, B, C, or D based on their class (1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A). This is not necessary at most meets. Another unusual concept at this meet was the removal of numbers (runners usually wear numbers safety-pinned to their jerseys during races) and the addition of place cards given to each runner at the conclusion of their race as they cross the finish line.
Neither the changes nor the enormity of the race fazed our runners. The Roadrunners finished strong with sophomore Holly McKinney coming in fourth, senior Maddie Beeler in twelfth, junior Megan Ellis in 39th, freshman Tia Snyder in 53rd, and junior Shelby Spoerl in 55th for the women’s class C division. The men’s class C division felt the presence of the I-35 Roadrunners as well with junior Ryan Hart in 35th, senior Ben Merrick in 44th, freshman Randy Ray Walker in 48th, and freshman Sam Cook in 50th. The results of this mammoth meet prove that the cross country roadrunners are a small team with a huge amount of determination.
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