A pair of individual state champions are continuing their racing careers at the collegiate level.

At a special signing day Wednesday, Pella seniors Tess Roorda and Kiki Pingel announced the schools they will compete with next year.

Roorda, a 2013 state champion in cross country, will run long-distance in track and continue cross country with the UNI Panthers. She tells KNIA/KRLS Sports she chose to go to college in Cedar Falls for many different reasons.

“I just really loved the atmosphere there and felt really comfortable,” Roorda says. “I loved the coaches and I could just feel that I would be really well supported there.”

Pingel was a member of the 2016 shuttle hurdle relay group that claimed an individual title, and will stay home and compete with the Central Dutch as a heptathlete. Pingel says remainng in the Tulip City was a big reason as to why she’ll don the red and white next spring.

“Well I’ve lived in Pella pretty much my whole life, and it’s just such a great community that I want to stay in and on my visit to Central they really emphasized family, which is a big part and something that means a lot to me,” Pingel. “I’m just really excited to get to know the athletes and the coaches and to build a greater bond over the next four years.”

Both are members of the Pella Lady Dutch track team aiming to send a big group to the state track championships this spring and the Drake Relays next week.