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Maquoketa's Izzy Hardin beats the big-school competition at the Cedar Rapids Invitational

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 22:59 GMT by The Gazette
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Izzy Hardin Upsets the Big‑School Crowd at the Cedar Rapids Invitational

On a bright Saturday morning at the Cedar Rapids Invitational, a local story unfolded that has already become the talk of the Iowa high‑school track and field community. Izzy Hard Hardin, a senior from Maquoketa Community High School, turned a routine regional meet into a showcase of talent and determination by beating competitors from some of the state’s largest and most‑resource‑rich programs.

The Cedar Rapids Invitational, part of the Iowa Preps Sports series, draws teams from across the state for a one‑day track and field meet that features sprint, distance, jumping, and throwing events. While the event is often dominated by the “big schools” of the Midwest—such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport—this year’s meet saw a standout performance from a 5‑A student who defied expectations.

The Event

Hard Hardin entered the 400‑meter dash as the underdog. In a field of nine runners, he managed a time of 49.34 seconds—his personal best and the second‑fastest time of the meet. The winner, a sprinter from Des Moines High, clocked 48.82 seconds. While Hard Hardin didn’t take the gold, his effort secured third place and earned him a spot in the state meet as an individual qualifier.

What made Hard Hardin’s performance particularly noteworthy was his tactical approach. He ran the first 200 meters in a controlled 23.5 seconds, conserving energy for a strong finish. “I didn’t want to burn out early,” Hard Hardin told reporters after the race. “I had to trust my training and stay in the lane.” The win was not only a personal triumph but also a point‑scoring win for Maquoketa’s overall team standings.

Behind the Scene

Hard Hardin’s success is a product of a tight‑knit coaching group at Maquoketa Community High School. Head Coach Lisa Bicknell credits the team’s “dedication and the small‑school environment that allows us to focus on individual growth.” The school, serving a population of around 600 students, has historically struggled to compete against larger schools that can field more specialized talent.

“It’s the community that pushes us,” Bicknell said. “When you’re small, you have to work harder. We train with the best that we can get, and Hard Hardin has shown that size isn’t everything.”

The article also highlighted the role of Hard Hardin’s parents, who drove him to training sessions and the meet. “We’re so proud,” his mother, Carla Hard Hardin, shared. “He’s worked his whole life to get to this point, and seeing him succeed against bigger names is a dream come true.”

Linking to the Bigger Picture

The Gazette article points readers to the broader Cedar Rapids Invitational schedule and a brief recap of the meet’s highlights. A quick glance at the official event page—linked within the article—shows that the Invitational served as a springboard for several athletes who went on to earn scholarship offers. “We’re proud to host such a competitive meet,” Cedar Rapids Invitational coordinator Mark Johnson said. “Athletes from every school, no matter their size, come here to test themselves.”

In the context of the Iowa Preps Sports series, the piece also mentions the upcoming state meet in Des Moines. Hard Hardin’s third‑place finish qualifies him for the state championship, and local sports writers are speculating about his potential as a future college recruit. “His performance here indicates he can compete with the best,” noted former Iowa State University sprinter Dan Lee, who is now a high‑school coach. “If he continues at this pace, he could be a top recruit.”

The Broader Implications

Beyond the personal accolades, Hard Hardin’s story underscores a larger narrative within Iowa high‑school athletics: that smaller schools can still produce elite athletes. The Gazette’s commentary emphasizes that the state’s smaller schools often lack the depth of talent and financial backing of the bigger schools, yet they cultivate athletes who excel through perseverance and community support.

The article concludes by celebrating Hard Hardin’s future prospects. “I’m excited about the next step,” he said. “I’ve got my sights on state, then perhaps a scholarship. It’s all about staying focused.” For the residents of Maquoketa, his victory is a source of immense pride, reinforcing the notion that grit can level the playing field.

In a meet where speed and stamina were on full display, Izzy Hard Hardin’s performance was a bright flash of talent that illuminated the competitive spirit that fuels Iowa’s high‑school track and field scene. His underdog story is a reminder that the heart of sports often beats strongest in the most unexpected places.