For the first time in over five decades, the Indianola boys cross country team hoisted the Championship Trophy, claiming the Class 4A State Title in Fort Dodge Saturday morning.

Coming off a 15th place finish at State last year, the Indians entered Saturday’s race as the top-ranked team. In their effort to win the program’s first State Title since going back-to-back in 1971 and 1972, Indianola had to fend off defending champions and second ranked Cedar Falls. The Indians had a 20-point advantage over the Tigers at the one-mile mark, but saw that lead dissipate to just three points at the two-mile mark. Despite Cedar Falls’ late kick to defend their title, Indianola held off the late race push to edge the Tigers 102-104 in the team standings. 

Senior Reed Robbins led the way for the Indians’ boys team, claiming All-State honors with a 12th place finish (15:41.1). Fellow senior Keifer Barnes finished just outside the top-15, taking 17th place (15:49.2), while senior Paxton Bloom was 31st (16:04.8). Sophomore Jake Robidoux (16:06.8) and junior Isaiah Thomsen (16:15.5) completed the State Title-winning scoring for Indianola, taking 35th and 45th respectively. Barnes said that they knew it would take every member to get the State Title, but added that they knew they could do it after beating Cedar Falls earlier this year.

“Iowa is so good, that if one person has an off day we lose, and that’s just how it is. Cedar Falls is a great team, but we beat them early in the season and we haven’t lost and I knew we could do it if we just stayed focused. So, I’m so happy we did it.”

Hear more from the senior members of the Indians’ State Champion boys cross country team on Monday’s edition of Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.