The incredible tradition of Pella Cross Country continues this week as the Dutch boys and girls teams return to the state meet in Fort Dodge this Friday.

Head Coach Doug Cutler says it could be a special afternoon for the No. 2 in Class 3A Pella boys, who will be chasing down a dominating Dallas Center-Grimes team and looking for a podium finish.

Cutler says one of the biggest keys to this season’s success for the boys team has been the depth developed beyond their top runners — as Senior Tony Schmitz has, showing that improvement by winning the district championship, and by the growth of Sophomore Chase Lauman and Freshman Nathan Vander Waal.

Just like they did at the state qualifying meet last week, the No. 11 Pella girls cross country team aims to outperform expectations and finish the season on a strong note.

The Lady Dutch placed 2nd, leaping two top 20 teams in Class 3A to earn a state qualifying bid at the Pella Sports Park last Wednesday.

Head Coach Doug Cutler says his unique mix of seniors and freshmen could produce promising results, and he feels the group of seven running at Fort Dodge have yet to have their best race of 2020.

This Friday, Pella’s boys will make their 22nd all-time appearance at the state meet, and their 15th in the past 16 years. The Dutch have won two titles and placed second twice during Cutler’s tenure as head coach. The Lady Dutch are at the state meet for the 15th season in a row, and doing so with Seniors Abby Cutler and Ashley Blommers, as well as five other freshmen who are making their debut in the season finale. The Class 3A state cross country meet is Friday at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge, with races beginning at 3:30 p.m.