Local track and field teams had the opportunity to get one last time or distance posted Monday before Thursday’s district meets at the Pella Co-Ed Invitational.
Pella ran away in both the boys and girls events, earned 1st overall in their respective divisions. According to seniors Josh Van Dusseldorp and Nick Bernhagen, running low times wasn’t the goal–instead, staying healthy and in shape for state qualifying was their aim. Van Dusseldorp and Bernhagen finished 1-2 in the 800 meter dash.
PCM’s boys and girls each finished 3rd, with the Pella Christian girls 4th and the boys in 5th as a team. Knoxville was 6th in the girls meet and 7th for the boys. Many athletes in the race ran in one or two races only, and many top local athletes didn’t compete against each other in some events.
Annika Pingel of Pella placed 1st in the 100 and 200 meters, with an Eagle behind her in each race — Evie Armstrong in the short sprint and Mary Kate Bandstra in the 200. PC’s Lizzy Van Manen threw 18 feet better than 2nd place to earn the Discus crown.
Pella’s Kiki Pingel edged out PCM’s Jayci Vos in the 400m hurdles in a photo finish. The Lady Dutch took every relay except for the Distance Medley, which went to Knoxville by two seconds. The Panthers’ Katie Keitges also placed first in the only solo event she competed in — the 400 meter dash. Paytan Schut of PCM was 1st in the 800.
For the boys, Pella had top finishes from Zion Miller (400m) and in the 4×800 and shuttle hurdle relays.
Grant Dunsbergen of Pella Christian cruised to the win in the mile, PCM’s Chris Ellens was tops in the 3200 meters — but neither raced against each other last night. The Eagles Ryan Van Gilst was tops in the 400 meter hurdles. Mustangs Sprinter Preston Van Wyk was 1st in the 200 meters.
The Dutch, Panthers, Eagles, and Mustangs will all participate in district track and field action Thursday with opportunities to compete at state on the line — Pella will stay at home and welcome Knoxville, Pella Christian and PCM hit the road to Eddyville.
