A new state champion was crowned on day two of the state track and field meet in Des Moines. With an opening throw of 57 feet, 11 ½ inches, Nick DeJong etched his name into history with a Class 3A Shot Put title by over five feet from the runner up– the first championship of its kind at Pella High School, despite a long legacy of powerhouse throwers. DeJong says it was a key to establish a successful first throw.

“All week in practice, me and the coaches were just talking about coming out and with the first one just putting it almost out of reach, and I felt like I just did a good job of that,” he says.

DeJong’s full interview from Friday:

Pella’s 4×200 girls relay also placed 2nd in the 3A ranks, and Elsie Thoreson of the Lady Dutch nabbed a 4th place finish with a season best run in the 400 meter hurdles.

4×200 full interview:

Both the girls and boys from Pella stand in 3rd place with 22 and 27 points respectively in the standings. Tune into championship Saturday coverage on 92.1 KRLS for interviews from local athletes.