A Pella High School senior distance runner continues a long line of Pella Track and Cross Country athletes — including many in her own family, that have chosen to compete in college.

Tirzah Wittenberg is heading to Orange City to run competitively for the Red Raiders of Northwestern. Wittenberg is continuing to run to see how far she can push her limits after a breakout senior season that saw her move to the starting lineup this fall for the Lady Dutch after several years as a reserve. To keep that challenge going, Tirzah decided to go to a school that has been a home away from home.

Tirzah joins a Northwestern program familiar with the last name Wittenberg — older siblings Zach, Sarah, Hannah, and Micah all ran competitively for the Red Raiders, and older sister Moriah is also studying on campus.

Wittenberg was an All-District selection at the 3A state cross country qualifying meet in October, placing 13th overall, and was on the school’s fastest ever 4×800 relay team on the track, which qualified for state and was part of the 2018 3A champions. Wittenberg was on the 4×800 team at state again in 2019 and also qualified in the 800 meters individually.

Hear more from Tirzah about the next step in her athletic career on tonight’s Radio Sports Page, beginning at 6 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS.