For the first time in school history, the boys and girls from Eagle Lane are racing at the same state meet, and both P.C. teams have their eyes set on improving from their pre-meet ranking to where they cross the finish line.

Pella Christian’s #9 rated boys are back at Fort Dodge after a 5th place finish in Class 1A last fall. Deacon Branderhorst believes even in a bigger class, they have the chance to meet or improve upon that finish with a strong day.

Eagles Seniors Jenna Van Maanen and Joslyn Terpstra are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against Iowa’s best in their final season within the growing cross country program and on the #11 ranked Eagles girls.

A PCM freshman has been the subject of many state features and headlines this week — she’s battled Cystic Fibrosis and has worked past those limitations to be one of the fastest 15 5Ks recorded at the Pella Sports Park; Abi Teeter says she’s hopeful to take a leap in Fort Dodge at her first state race.

Class 2A races begin at 2 p.m. today in Fort Dodge, followed by the boys at 2:45.