Meet Information
Date: September 7, 2024
Location: Central College – 812 University St, Pella, IA 50219[Google Maps Link]
Race Start Time:
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9:00 AM – Girls Race
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9:40 AM – Boys Race
Parking: Fans may park by the baseball/softball field of Central College along Fifield Road or on campus lot in front of Kuyper Gym at Central. Courtesy carts will be at each of these locations. Another option is the United Methodist Church on University Street to the south of the course. NOTE: Walking uneven terrain will be required.
Last Year…
Boys Results 2023
Boys 5K
Pella 1st – 42
Top 3 Dutch Individuals
Canaan Dunham 1st 15:47.8
Nathan Vander Waal 3rd 16:15.1
Aren Hellbusch 9th 17:11.1
Girls Team Results 2022
Girls 5K
Pella 1st – 20
Top 3 Dutch Individuals
Ruth Dunham 2nd 20:01.5
Autumn Blink 3rd 20:09.3
Marissa Ferebee 4th 20:09.5
Course Overview
If you’re planning to support the athletes at the Central College Cross Country course, you’re in for a treat. The course feels like a scenic park trail, designed with runners in mind. It offers a mix of smooth paths for picking up speed and some tricky turns and inclines to keep things interesting. For spectators, there are a few key spots where you can catch the action multiple times. Just a tip: wear comfortable shoes. With all the excitement, you might find yourself dashing from one viewpoint to another – or even tempted to break into a jog!
Probable Team Line Up
Varsity Boys
EVERYONE!
Varsity Girls
EVERYONE!
Key Competing Teams
RACE LINE-UP (as of 9/3/24)
ADM (3A Boys #7, Girls #8), Baxter, Chariton (Boys 2A #11), Collins-Maxwell, English Valley (Girls 1A #15), Gilbert (Boys 3A #1, Girls #4), Lynnville-Sully, Oskaloosa, Pella (Boys 3A #2, Girls #1), Pella Christian (Boys 2A #10, Girls #16)
The Dutch girls came out flying last Saturday, averaging an impressive 19:04, with Marissa Ferebee setting a new course record at 17:23.9. This week, the team will be at full strength, bolstered by freshman Lizzy Vande Voort, who dominated the 9/10 4K race last week. The Dutch girls are shaping up to be the team to beat, solidifying their position as the clear favorites. However, strong challenges are expected from Gilbert and ADM. Pella Christian (2A) will also be aiming for a solid performance on a familiar local course.
Boys Team Race
The boys’ race promises an exciting 3A showdown, with a classic one-versus-two battle. Gilbert, boasting a historic team, is the heavy favorite after averaging an impressive 16:23 on the challenging Webster City course last Tuesday. The Dutch boys will need to bring their best to challenge for the top spot, having averaged 17:02 at their last meet at the Prairie Invitational. Meanwhile, Pella Christian and Chariton will be locked in a tight 2A contest, with both teams starting the season strong and sitting close in the rankings.
Central Course Boys Top 10 Time All-Time
Central Course Girls Top 10 Time All-Time
Course Records
Juan Gonzalez Fremont 15:04.50 2023
Paityn Noe Ballard 17:28.7 2022
Athlete Spotlight
Just How Fast Will This Race Be?
After Marissa Ferebee shattered the Prairie Course record by more than 90 seconds with an astonishing time of 17:23.9, the question remains: how fast can she go? Saturday offers a chance to watch one of Iowa’s and the nation’s best runners take on the course again. It might be overly optimistic to expect her to get faster every race, yet she continues to look stronger with each outing. Anything could happen.
Elsie Brenneman is also posting some of the fastest times in the state, though she may be somewhat overshadowed by Ferebee’s performances. However, Ferebee herself recognizes the value of having a fast teammate. “She had a really great race and would have broken the old school record. She doesn’t get enough credit for what she does,” Ferebee said in an IATC Exchange Zone interview. The Central course record for the girls stands at 17:28.7, set by Paityn Noe, widely regarded as one of the best high school runners Iowa has ever produced.
Boys Team Race
The boys’ race is shaping up to be fast as well, with Canaan Dunham stepping to the line once again on his home course. The last time Dunham ran at Central, he clocked 15:37. He finished runner-up last week at Prairie with a 15:25. While the course record of 15:04, set by Fremont, Nebraska standout Juan Gonzalez, may be out of reach this week, anticipation is high for the Heartland Classic in two weeks, where Gonzalez and Dunham are set to face off.
The Gilbert boys bring a wealth of talent that could challenge Dunham. Their dynamic sophomore duo of Logan Bleich and Jacob Tallman has been impressive. Both ran under 16 minutes at the Webster City course last Tuesday, with times of 15:43.7 and 15:54.9, respectively.
Runners to Watch
In the girls’ race, 3A #1 Marissa Ferebee is poised for another strong performance, continuing her streak since winning the 2023 state cross country title. She hasn’t lost to a 3A runner since then. The next six Dutch runners are all ranked in the top 19, making Pella the clear favorite. Gilbert will feature 3A #15 Sarah Feddersen, who is expected to be in the mix among the top finishers.
Notable Girl Runners to Watch:
3A: #1 Marissa Ferebee (11, Pella), #3 Elsie Brenneman (10, Pella), #11 Lizzy Vande Voort (9, Pella), #13 Ruth Dunham (10, Pella), #15 Sarah Feddersen (12, Gilbert), #16 Mara Schiebout (12, Pella), #19 Raegan Snieder (12, Pella).
2A: #18 Bailey Vos (11, Pella Christian).
1A: #13 Jayden Peters (10, Collins-Maxwell), #17 Anna Luers (9, English Valleys).
The boys’ race looks to favor 3A #2 Canaan Dunham on paper. However, Gilbert’s gritty duo of #3 Logan Bleich and #4 Jacob Tallman shouldn’t be counted out. Like Pella’s girls team, the Gilbert boys boast several highly ranked individuals. 2A #7 Sawyer Meinders is another contender aiming to break into the front pack.
Runners to Watch in the Boys Race:
3A: #2 Canaan Dunham (11, Pella), #3 Logan Bleich (10, Gilbert), #4 Jacob Tallman (10, Gilbert), #6 Carson Squiers (10, Gilbert), #8 Emmett Barber (12, Gilbert), #12 Emrick Ryan (11, Gilbert), #23 Torin Timmerman (12, ADM), #28 John Artz (12, Gilbert), #30 Liam Trampel (10, Gilbert).
2A: #7 Sawyer Meinders (11, Pella Christian).
1A: #3 Gage Heyne (12, English Valleys), #10 Max Handorf (10, Baxter), #19 Brecken Fisher (9, Baxter).
The stage is set, and anticipation is high for yet another thrilling race at the Dutch Invitational.
Coach’s Comment
“If you believe that Iron sharpens Iron, be prepared to witness some metal work on display Saturday”
Support Our Team!
Encourage family, friends, and fans to come out and support:
- Wear your Dutch Green!
- Bring your best positive cheer voice and cheer on the Dutch….by name if you know it!
Upcoming Races
- September 12 – Gilbert Invitational – ISU Cross Country Course, Ames IA
- September 21 – Heartland Classic – Central College Campus, Pella IA
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