Photo from Jim Duncan Invitational

The rich track and field throwing traditions of the Tulip City were once again highlighted at the elite showcase that is the Drake Relays Thursday, with a Dutch and Eagles dual topping the discus ring.

Hanson King of Pella used his sixth and final throw of 186’7″ to topple Pella Christian’s Trevor Veenstra to earn a Drake Relays championship. Veenstra placed 2nd after leading the majority of the event with a toss of 184’8″. The duo will lock up again in the shot put on Friday, with both coming in as the 2nd and 3rd seed at the event.

It was a strong day for local athletes outside of the title win, including a pair of school records by Pella’s sensational sophomores in the distance races. Canaan Dunham placed 3rd in the 3200 meters and broke Chase Lauman’s school record from 2023 with a time of (9:04.01). He nudged ahead of Norwalk’s Tony Anania, who placed 5th at 9:07.79. While the 3000 meters landed as expected in the hands of Addison Dorenkamp of Valley, Marissa Ferebee continued to break her own school high mark in the 3000, placing 2nd with a time of 9:42.89. Jordyn Brown of Indianola placed 5th at 10:06.03.

Indianola had a pair of other competitors in field events, as Owen Cambron placed 18th in the discus and Madison Grover did the same in the high jump.