While any business after their memorable day on October 28th ranks as “unofficial,” the trophy-winning Pella cross country programs wrapped up a weekend serving their community and running against some of the best athletes in the country’s Heartland.

The Dutch started their weekend planting hundreds of tulip bulbs with the City of Pella and members of the Pella Christian teams Saturday morning, and wrapped it up in Sioux Falls at the Nike Cross Heartland Regionals Sunday.

Pella’s Windmills teams placed 20th among the girls races and 22nd with the boys for the athletes final 5Ks of the incredible fall that was in 2023. Class 3A Individual Boys Champion Canaan Dunham was the 22nd best individual among elite athletes from seven different states, and girls title holder Marissa Ferebee was 69th. Click here for full results.

The Dutch cross country programs have been planting tulips with Pella parks department staff for nearly a decade, with the Eagles joining up for the effort as well for several years.