Bowman’s Jonah Njos, Hillsboro’s Claire Grinde Break Records at Border Battle
UPDATE: The annual Border Battle held in Grand Forks on October 14, 2023, witnessed record-breaking performances as athletes from North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota competed fiercely for victory. This year’s event, featuring food trucks, tents, and an electric atmosphere, showcased both veteran champions and rising stars, all vying for the coveted Battle Boat oar.
In the boys’ Class A race, Bowman County continued its dominance, securing its fourth consecutive title. Jonah Njos led the charge with an impressive finish time of 15:36.5. He was joined by teammates Warner Bowman and Gabe Sarsland, who all placed within the top five, solidifying their team’s reputation.
On the girls’ side, Claire Grinde of Hillsboro-Central Valley not only defended her title but also shattered the Class A course record with a jaw-dropping time of 18:07.1. “We knew this was going to be a tough one,” Grinde stated. “Our goal was to bring our best because there are a lot of good runners, and we wanted that team win.”
Grinde’s teammates rallied behind her, with Caroline Anderson finishing in second place. Together, they propelled Hillsboro-Central Valley to a narrow victory over Bowman County, scoring 56 points compared to the Bulldogs’ 69 points. Anderson expressed her excitement, saying, “I want both of us to be up there. My goal is just to beat the other girls I was close to.”
In the AA races, the Perham girls claimed their first Border Battle win, finishing with 83 points. Shanley’s Mykenna Johnson narrowly outpaced Williston’s Harley Jeannotte to clinch first place in the girls’ AA category with a time of 18:10.9.
The boys’ AA race saw Sioux Falls Lincoln, ranked 18th in the nation, take the team win. Tyrus Needles finished just six seconds behind the winner, Owen Hintz of Bismarck, who clocked in at 15:06.9. Red River’s Cohen Dunnigan made a remarkable comeback, moving up 25 places to finish 14th, showcasing his determination: “I knew if I got to the second mile feeling good I would be able to push into the third mile,” Dunnigan noted.
As the East Region schools prepare for the upcoming East Region Championship, Dunnigan remarked on the significance of this race: “We got to use this meet to figure out the course again. We may not be favored to win the EDC, but I think we can surprise some people.”
With the excitement and competitive spirit palpable, organizers are already looking ahead to next year, planning to invite larger Minnesota schools to elevate the event even further. Central coach Sean Allan stated, “The list is already ongoing for next year. It is an event that the community loves. Everyone gets a chance to see the runners more than once.”
The Border Battle continues to grow in prestige, with athletes pushing each other to new heights. These thrilling developments are sure to keep fans eagerly anticipating next year’s showdown.
