Photo courtesy of Troy L. Hugen Photography

The Pella Christian cross country program has enjoyed great success and growth over the last three seasons.

Prior to the 2021 cross country season, the Eagles’ record for cross country participants was 28 students, but that number rose to 44 runners this fall. In addition to seeing continual growth in the program’s numbers, the Eagles have been represented in both the boys and girls State Meets each of the last three years. Head coach Mike Buchheit says that this year’s senior class has helped lay the foundation for what he expects to be a long stretch of success for the Eagles cross country teams.

“This three year run is just the start, especially on the boys side. Our girls program is equally as strong coming into next year. So, we need good leaders and we certainly had that with the 11 seniors on the team this year.”

The Pella Christian boys cross country team finished their season with a 14th place finish at the State Meet, while the girls team’s Bailey Vos and Jaclyn Holmes claimed 31st and 73rd place finishes, respectively.