Pella High School has had a rich tradition in throwing events for more than a decade, but arguably the best accomplishment for the group was achieved at the Drake Relays, and lands at No. 3 in the countdown of moments from 2023-24.

Senior Hanson King won the shot put with a throw of 58-07 and the discus with a final toss of 186-7 on back-to-back days in April. He became the first Iowa High School athlete since former Iowa Hawkeye Tristan Werfs in 2017 to win both events at the showcase of the entire state’s best athletes, and the first in Pella program history. It was the second time in 32 years that the throwing events at Drake were claimed by the same athlete.

Hanson would go on to win the Class 3A Shot Put title, the third time since 2019 the school has had the best athlete in the event, earning Elite All-State Honors. King is heading to Ames to continue his career with the Iowa State Cyclones.

Interview from State Meet Friday: