Pella capped off another season among Iowa’s elite distance runners at the state cross country meet in Fort Dodge Saturday.

The Lady Dutch finished in sixth place, while the Pella boys placed in 5th.

Freshman Josiah Wittenberg impressed again, taking momentum from his district championship to place 9th overall (16:24.8) as an individual, earning all-state honors. Wittenberg tells KRLS Sports he was even more nervous at the start line for his first ever state meet, but he finally started to feel like he could have another special race while keeping pace with some of Class 3A’s best.

“My nerves were like skyrocketing, but once we got running, I was overwhelmed with joy just being able to run with all these top runners in the state,” Wittenberg says.

The finish for the Little Dutch was their best of the year, finishing behind now-two time champions Gilbert, Clear Creek Amana, Marion, and Carlisle. Pella Boy’s 5th place finish marks their 7th Top 5 finish in past 8 seasons and 10th in 12 seasons, as in 2017 they did not qualify, and in 2010 they were 6th.

Pella’s girls were on track for a 3rd place podium finish, before an injury near the finish line put a halt to Caroline McMartin’s race, as she was in the top 15 before she collapsed. The Lady Dutch lead runner was senior Makayla Kruse, who grabbed 17th overall (19:42.8). Kruse tells KRLS Sports she relied on her experience from previous trips to pace her throughout the race.

“You kind of just know once you come to this meet that it’s going to be a huge pack,” she says. “For me being in my 4th year, I kind of know what to expect and you just have to focus on weaving through when you can and not get all stressed about being in a huge pack.”

“You just have to look at the positive side because you’re always going to have someone to push you.”

Ashley Blommers placed 40th among individuals as well (20:28.4). No. 1 ranked Walhert won the team title, followed by Little Hawkeye Conference champions Dallas Center-Grimes. Pella Girls’ 6th place finish marks 6th straight top six placement and 12th consecutive top ten finish at state.

Tune into the KNIA/KRLS Radio Sports Page this Wednesday to hear from the Little and Lady Dutch.

Class 3A Boys Results: http://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/3a-boys.html

5th. Pella
6 Josiah Wittenberg, 9 16:24.8
31 Cutler Turner, 9 17:19.7
37 Mason Johnston, 11 17:27.8
46 Drew Van Hauen, 12 17:35.2
62 Thomas Gaul, 11 17:48.6
83 Braden Rowe, 10 18:15.9
90 Jordan Buma, 12 18:29.6
Total Time = 1:26:36.1 Total Places = 182

Class 3A Girls Results: http://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/3a-girls.html

6th. Pella
11 Makayla Kruse, 12 19:42.8
23 Ashley Blommers, 10 20:28.4
37 Chelsea Jorgensen, 10 20:50.3
51 Elsie Thoreson, 11 21:12.7
68 Caroline McMartin, 11 21:26.7
70 Abigail Cutler, 10 21:28.5
90 Ellie Roorda, 11 22:05.5
Total Time = 1:43:40.9 Total Places = 190

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