The Pella Christian boys and girls cross country teams will run in the Class 2A State Meet on Saturday, and the goal for both teams boils down to one word, contend.

The #13 ranked Eagle boys will be making their fourth consecutive trip to Fort Dodge on Saturday, having finished in 14th in 2023, 7th in 2022, and 5th in 2021. The #8 Pella Christian girls are making just their third appearance at State in the program’s history, previously taking 10th in 2022 and 15th in 2008. Eagles head coach Mike Buchheit is grateful to have both teams qualify for State in the same year for just the second time ever, but says the goal every season is more than just getting to Fort Dodge.

“I always say it’s not about getting to State, it’s about competing at State and that’s our goal. We’re going up there for business. We’re going to do the best we possibly can, and set the kids up to run their best race times of the season, and really compete for all the spots we can get.”

The Class 2A State Cross Country Meet at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge Saturday begins with the girls race at 2 pm, with the boys race scheduled to follow at 2:45 pm.