It could be another special day in the rich history of track and field at Pella High School as they intend to send several boys and girls competitors to state at tonight’s district meet in Bondurant.

Pella’s boys have 12 individuals coming into the meet in the top two seeds based on time and all but one of their relays. The top two finishers in each event at the district meets in Class 3A advance automatically, while another eight entries from across the state will earn bids based on time or distance.

The Dutch girls will have a deep field in the individual races to navigate in several events, but currently have four competitors as top two seeds coming in, but just like the boys — have six of seven relays in prime position to qualify.

Pella Boys Athletes/Event to Watch (Seed Based on Best Time/Distance in 2022 Coming into Districts):
100 Meter Dash – Noah Allen – 11.33 seconds (2nd)
400 Meter Dash – Karl Miller – 50.61 seconds (1st)
800 Meter Run – Chase Lauman – 1:57.48 (2nd)
1600 Meter Run – Josiah Wittenberg – 4:26.46 (2nd)
3200 Meter Run – Chase Lauman – 9:43.74 (2nd)
110 Meter Hurdles – Nolan Clayberg – 14.79 seconds; Gage Huyser – 14.87 seconds (1st and 2nd)
400 Meter Hurdles – Gage Huyser – 55.5 seconds; Reece Thoreson – 56.05 seconds (1st and 2nd)
Long Jump – CJ Shetterly – 21 feet, 3 inches (2nd)
Shot Put – Brandon Fischer – 52 feet, 3.25 inches (2nd)
Discus – Brandon Fischer – 156 feet, 7 inches (1st)
4×200 Relay – 1:31.27 (1st)
4×400 Relay – 3:27.62 (1st)
4×800 Relay – 8:17.4 (2nd)
Sprint Medley Relay – 1:36.07 (1st)
Distance Medley Relay – 3:31.55 (1st)
Shuttle Hurdle Relay – 1:00.07 (1st)

Pella Girls Athletes/Events to Watch
100 Meter Dash – Emily McMartin – 12.72 seconds (2nd)
400 Meter Dash – Jacie Trine – 58.81 seconds (2nd)
3000 Meter Run – Raegan Snieder – 11:04.01 (2nd)
High Jump – Jasmine Namminga – 5 feet (t-1st)
4×100 Relay – 50.45 seconds (2nd)
4×200 Relay – 1:45.71 (1st)
4×400 Relay – 4:11.52 (1st)
4×800 Relay – 10:09.21 (2nd)
Sprint Medley Relay – 1:52.57 (2nd)
Distance Medley Relay – 4:24.19 (1st)

The Dutch boys and girls will likely have several opportunities for at-large bids based on the strength of some of the events as well. Those won’t be determined until late tonight or early Friday.