Some of the best high school cross country teams in the Midwest converged at Central College for the 14th Annual Heartland Classic Saturday. Thirty-four schools sent athletes to compete Saturday from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas, many of whom were large-school programs with state champion pedigrees and in their respective state rankings.

No. 8 in Iowa’s 3A Class, the Pella boys placed 22nd among the 27 elite teams racing. Josiah Wittenberg was the 50th fastest individual in the field, running a time of 17:24.5, followed by a 116th place finish for Cutler Turner at 18:09. The Dutch were not far behind some 3A competition, as No. 4 Gilbert was the 18th fastest team, and No. 1 Carlisle was close behind in 19th. Iowa’s Dubuque Hempstead, unranked in 4A, was the meet champion with 90 points.

The Lady Dutch were the 23rd fastest out of the 25 elite girls programs at the Central College course. Caroline McMartin, the 8th ranked runner in Iowa’s 3A, had a strong race on her home course, placing 23rd among individuals with a time of 19:45.7. Pella’s cross country teams will next compete at Newton on Tuesday.

Full boys results: http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_plain_text.php?race_id=70091

Full girls results: