The defending champions of Class 3A cross country certainly looked the part to begin their 2023 journeys, as the Dutch ran away with their home invitational Saturday at Central College. The top ranked Pella boys and girls made strong initial statements into the special nature of what their upcoming campaigns could become as they dominated a solid field in what became the opening races of the new fall season.

The Dutch girls placed the No. 2 through 7 runners in the overall race standings, paced by freshman Ruth Dunham, who nearly broke the 20 minute mark at a difficult course to place runner up (20:01.5) and win the large schools race. Senior Autumn Blink (20:09.3), Sophomore Marissa Ferebee (20:09.5), Junior Raegan Snieder (20:30.4), and Sophomore Lizzie Neumann (20:57.3) — all of whom were featured in the preseason individual rankings, rounded out the scoring for Pella. Sophia Boonstra also broke the 21 minute mark to begin her senior season as the 6th runner across the line for the green and white.

Pella’s boys showcased their depth on a team searching for a few varsity replacements following three graduates from the 2022 title team. Canaan Dunham was sensational in his sophomore start, and the No. 2 runner in Class 3A ran a scorching fast 15:47 5K to win the meet and establish himself as an early-season individual title contender. Teammate Nathan Vander Waal impressed with a 16:15.1 for 3rd, and Junior Aren Hellbusch ran a minute faster than he did on the same course one year ago (17:11.1) to place 9th. Senior Jake Huston had his best race in the program (17:26.9) to earn a medal as well. Sophomore Mason Gaulke (17:29.9), Senior Stephen Gaul (17:34.0), and Noah Schuknecht (17:35.9) rounded out the varsity seven for Pella.

The Dutch take their top-ranked teams to Grinnell in a meet that’s been moved to the morning on Tuesday due to forecasted heat. Varsity races begin at 8:30 a.m.