Iowa Cross Country Team Involved in Bus Accident After Meet

Iowa Cross Country Team Faces Unforeseen Incident

An unusual accident involving an Iowa high school cross country team occurred Monday night as they returned home from a meet in Chariton. According to a statement made on the Davis County Community Schools Facebook page, a bus transporting members of the team struck a horse on the route back. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the athletes.

Quick Response from Local Authorities

The post by the school expressed relief that all team members were unharmed, stating, "Thankfully, there were no reportable injuries, and all parents/guardians have been notified." The statement thanked local law enforcement for their prompt response to the incident.

"We are grateful to local law enforcement for responding quickly and assisting with the situation," the school added.

Appreciation for Coaches and Bus Driver

The team’s head coach Angela Chaney, along with assistants Linda Rowe and Kyle Steffen, were recognized for their calmness during the accident. The school’s post read, "Thank you to our coaches and bus driver for handling the situation with composure. Thank you to Chariton for sending a bus to pick up our students. The Chariton bus will meet a Davis County bus along the route home so we can get our students safely and as quickly as possible."

Performance at the Cross Country Meet

Despite the unforeseen incident, the cross country team's performance at the meet remained noteworthy. The Mustang girls team achieved an impressive seventh place, with runner Gabi McGregor finishing ninth overall. Meanwhile, the boys team secured tenth place, led by Gage Moss, who placed 24th individually.

Rough Patch for Davis County Athletics

This incident follows a challenging period for the Davis County School District's athletics program. Earlier in August, the school announced the cancellation of their 2026 varsity football season due to low participation numbers and safety concerns, making them the fourth school in Iowa to take such action. The trend of canceling football seasons has continued, raising concerns across the state about player safety and program viability.

As the Mustangs navigate these challenges, their community remains supportive, with gratitude directed at those who ensure student safety during both sports and unexpected events.