Baudler fifth after botched finish

DES MOINES – There wasn’t an outcome that was going to make the leaders of the Class 1A boys 3,200 meter run happy.

After an early bell, an announced and applauded sprint to the finish left several of the top runners stunned when they realized they hadn’t actually finished the race.

Several runners crossed the line after the seventh lap, assuming from the cues they were given by race officials, they had completed the 3,200.

Some runners, including Nodaway Valley’s Josh Baudler kept their pace going, saying that he was aware they weren’t on the last lap.

“I had a pretty good idea that there was still another lap left after that seventh one, but I wasn’t going to risk it so I went faster, but I didn’t give it my all because I had a pretty good idea,“ said Baudler.

The Wolverine junior finished the race on the track in second place, but after an official meeting with coaches, the IHSAA announced results were revised to the placings after the seventh lap – or 2,800 meters – meaning Baudler instead was left with fifth in the 3,200.

Gehlen Catholic’s Will Roder was awarded first place after leading the pack, following the seventh lap.

NV co-head coach Darrell Burmeister wasn’t pleased with the ruling change.

“You can’t shorten up a race. You don’t have a rule to shorten up a race,” said Burmeister. “They messed up. I don’t know who has the right to declare a seven lap race. That’s ridiculous.”

Burmeister also added that he has plans to appeal the ruling in hopes of getting it changed.

“I’m going to write up an appeal or protest,” said Burmeister. “My main argument, I love the state association. I've loved them for 41 years, … I’ve had teachable memos and moments. ... Today was the state association’s teachable moment.”

With the change in the final results, the IHSAA decided not to re-run the race or announce official times, instead awarding team points to the placing given after seven laps.

The longtime coach of the Wolverines says his main motive for the appeal isn’t for the team points, but for his junior runner.

“I’m going to fight for Josh and I just didn’t feel right about the decision,” said Burmeister. “ Every kid who saw the clocks knew it (the finish) wasn’t there.”

On top of the changes, no times or placings were given for runners finishing 11 through 24.

NV’s Ben Breheny was 19th in 10:46.53, following the completion of eight laps, but will not be given an official final time or place due to the IHSAA change in final placings.

Though he won’t officially finish with a time, Baudler was pleased with his race even with the last-lap controversy.

The Wolverines junior jumped out in the lead in the early going and then had to battle his way back into first in the third lap after jockeying for position.

“I was hoping to get first, but that didn’t happen. I was in the double waterfall so I knew I had to get out fast,” Baudler said. “I got cut off a couple times, but that happens and it motivates me.”

UP NEXT – Baudler will have another shot at a state title in the 1,600 meter run Saturday at 2:15 p.m. in which he qualified in fifth with a time of 4:44.34.