IHSAA Amends Controversial Decision After Boys 1A 3,200 Meters

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Meet officials who messed up the end of the Class 1A boys 3,200 meters amended their decision to award the seventh-lap leader with first place Monday, four days after the race. 

Joe Anderson of George-Little Rock, who correctly knew that a race official rang the bell a lap too early and completed 3,200 meters in first place -- was initially not ruled the winner. Instead, officials huddled and ruled that the seven-lap leader, Gehlen's Will Roder, was the winner. Times would not be posted and the race would not be re-run.

After some time ot reflect, the IHSAA named Anderson and Roder will go into the history books as co-champions, according to whotv.com.

On the track, Roder and a few other runners were confused by the officiating error and thought their seventh lap was the time to kick for the finish line. Roder and others stopped after seven laps. 

Anderson kept going and completed the full distance. But after officials decided to give Roder the victory, the IHSAA released a statement apologizing for the unfortunate turn of events. 

Anderson showed considerable class by accepting the outcome. He came back to win the 1,600 meters and placed second in the 800. 

Anderson and two other runners were awarded medals Monday. Team scores were not changed by Monday's decision.