The next round of Iowa High School Cross Country rankings were released this week, and multiple local teams and athletes remain among the best in Iowa.

In the week three poll released by the Iowa Track and Field + Cross Country Coaches Association, Pella’s boys are rated 3rd in Class 3A. The Dutch have been away from competition since their home meet on September 5th. No. 1 Dallas Center-Grimes and No. 2 Center Point Urbana are just ahead of Pella, as the two were preseason favorites to contend for the 3A title after strong finishes in 2019 and a large group of returning varsity runners.

Pella’s Josiah Wittenberg is ranked 8th among Class 3A individuals, and teammate Tony Schmitz is 24th. Lady Dutch Senior Abby Cutler is 14th among 3A girls, as her team just dropped out of the Top 15 and in the “Teams to Watch” category just outside the main rankings.

Pella Christian Freshman Jaclyn Holmes remains the 30th ranked individual runner among Class 2A cross country girls. In Class 1A, 2019 All-State runner Rylee Dunkin of Twin Cedars is 8th among individuals.

The Indianola girls are 15th in Class 4A, their first appearance in the 2020 rankings. Teammates Emily Naughton and Joey Werling are 17th and 18th respectively among individuals.

In Class 1A, J’Lyn Knutson of Melcher-Dallas is 30th among individual runners as she seeks a return to the state meet in Fort Dodge this fall. Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for continuing coverage of high school cross country athletes.