After lacing their own running shoes for the Des Moines Marathon, Pella cross country coaches, Doug Cutler and Robin Hammann, as well as several other area cross country coaches, were able to reach their goal of $2,600 to set-up a scholarship in memory of late athletic director, Bill Van Horn. The Des Moines Marathon was run on October 21, and the coaches were very successful. Coach Cutler tells KNIA/KRLS sports that their goal was to finish the race in three hours 40 minutes, and their finishing time wound up being sixteen minutes faster than that, which was good enough for second place in their co-ed relay division. Their second place finish was also rewarded with a $300 addition to their scholarship fund. They even had a good turnout as far as supporters are concerned, with several of the Lady Dutch making the trip to Des Moines and shouting words of encouragement.

“A few of the girls especially did come up to the race and support us and that was very appreciative that they were out there,” Cutler said. “They had a good time yelling many of the same things we tend to yell at them as they do their race, so I think they enjoyed the opportunity for that.”

Coach Cutler also said that the money they’ve raised will more than likely be pooled together with other clubs’ contributions for a scholarship that will last a long time.

“We haven’t gotten all the details for the scholarship yet,” Cutler said. “We think that money is going to end up being combined with other things the booster club is doing, and eventually a Dollars for Scholars Scholarship will be set up permanently in his name. That is the hope; we don’t know how much it’s going to take in total, but with the help of other teams and the booster club at Pella, we’re hoping to get that accomplished.”

Coach Robin Hammann also added that including the $300 “bonus” for their finish during the Des Moines Marathon, their total amount raised (not counting Boosters contributions) was $3,417. Pella High’s 2012 cross country season ended this past Saturday with a state runner-up honor for the boys’ side, and a seventh place finish for the girls.

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