Coming off of a 4th place finish in the 2020 state meet, the Pella boys cross country team brings back talent and experience and will push for an even higher place in Fort Dodge this fall.

The Dutch are ranked 3rd in the preseason in Class 3A by the Iowa High School Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association, and despite losing All-State leader Tony Schmitz, five of the seven members of the state roster are back on this year’s team with sights set on chasing for a championship.

Pella Cross Country Head Coach Doug Cutler says a group led by two-time All-State finisher Josiah Wittenberg and Junior Chase Lauman, who was 18th at the 2020 3A meet, and both of whom were key members of last spring’s team boys state track and field championship, aims to continue the tradition of excellence in the program and take a step toward a trophy finish.

Other key returners include Akira Lopez, Nathan Vander Waal, and Cutler Turner — however, Nathan is currently nursing a foot injury and will be out for the first weeks of competition.

The Dutch will be chasing defending champions Dallas Center-Grimes, who return the vast majority of the 2020 title winning team, and in the mix with several other teams across the state. Pella opens the cross country season on Thursday, August 26th at the Gilbert Invitational.