In an historic weekend at the Lakeside Golf Course, the Pella cross country teams flexed their muscle in impressive fashion, coming just seven (tough) points shy of claiming all first place trophies at the Class 3A state meets.

Two individual champions highlighted the Saturday effort, as Sophomores Marissa Ferebee and Canaan Dunham both successfully defended their No. 1 rankings heading into the final race of the season in Fort Dodge. The duo join Tess Roorda (2013 – 4K) and Zach Buchheit (2011 – school record holder) as first place trophy winners among individuals. What excites Head Coach Doug Cutler most after the duo’s incredible races is that is sets the stage for two years of improvement and the chance to do what no Pella runner has ever done — win back-to-back or multiple cross country crowns outside of the team competitions.

Post-race interviews from Fort Dodge:

Both Dunham and Ferebee also will be likely contenders for top prizes in the distance races this spring for the Pella Track and Field teams, as both were medalists at the 2023 state event at Drake Stadium.