A family from Pella will get to add yet another special moment among many they’ve had at the famous Blue Oval when they compete at the 109th Drake Relays.

Three Pingels from Pella will be participating in eight running events in three different divisions: Jordan–at UNI, in the 800M and Sprint Medley Relay; Kiki–at Central College in the distance medley relay and 4×400, and Annika–at Pella High, in the 4×100, 4×200, 4×400 and SMR. Also, oldest brother Wade, a 2017 UNI Track and Field Alum, is running the Grand Blue Mile — which means all four siblings will be taking part in the event. Annika tells KNIA/KRLS Sports when she learned they would be at the same event again, it was big moment for the family.

“It was a ton of fun knowing that I’m going to see both my brother and sister running, and I never got to run with my brother, obviously because he is older than me, so him being there will be cool,” she says.

The Pingel family is far from being a stranger at the Blue Oval – Kiki, Jordan, and Annika will have all appeared in the Relays for four consecutive years once the event begins this week.

Both sisters have qualified for Drake in multiple events in 2015, 2016 and 2017 for Pella High, including on the same 4×200 relay team last year, with Kiki making an appearance as a freshman in 2014 as well. Older brother Jordan, a senior in Cedar Falls, made the trip the last three seasons with the UNI Panthers, and in 2013 and 14 for Pella. Oldest brother Wade was a qualifier at Pella in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

Their mother Kari has also served as an assistant coach for many years with the track and cross country programs.

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