After weather delayed the beginning of the new fall season, nearly-perfect conditions for a race will be in place this Saturday as the ranked Pella cross country teams open 2021 at their home invitational.

The No. 3 Dutch boys and No. 6 girls welcome a blend of central and southeast Iowa’s large and small school teams at the Central College course.

Pella Cross Country Seniors Josiah Wittenberg and Akira Lopez are anxious for the season to begin, especially after months of training to get ready for the first race of the new season.

Races begin with the girls at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by the boys.