Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Location: Central College Cross Country Course – Pella, IA
1200 Independence St, Pella, IA
📋 Meet Information
- 3A Girls: 4:00 PM
- 3A Boys: 4:40 PM
- Awards: 5:15 PM
Awards:
🏅 Medals & banners to the top 3 teams
🏅 Medals to the top 15 individual finishers
State Qualifying Rule:
In addition to the top three teams, a minimum of five individuals not on a qualifying team will advance to state.
These at-large qualifiers may not receive a physical medal if they placed outside the top 15 but will still earn a state berth.
Competing Teams:
ADM, Boone, Carlisle, Clarke (Osceola), Clear Creek-Amana, Creston, Fairfield, Knoxville, Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella, Saydel, Cedar Rapids Xavier
🔸 Girls Preview
The top-ranked Pella Dutch headline the field, returning to their home course in prime form as they look to secure another trip to Fort Dodge. The girls’ race includes four ranked teams — #1 Pella, #9 Boone, #13 ADM, and #19 Cedar Rapids Xavier — ensuring a strong and competitive field.
Pella’s depth remains unmatched, with all five scoring runners inside the top 30 of the state rankings. Senior #1 Marissa Ferebee is the individual favorite, chasing her third straight 3A state title. Behind her, #4 Elsie Brenneman, #14 Elizabeth VandeVoort, #22 Carleigh Altwine, and #26 Ruth Dunham make Pella nearly untouchable in the team race.
Adding to the Dutch’s strength, both Lizzie Neumann and Dana McCulla sit just outside the top 30 in the latest rankings — and both have legitimate chances to finish inside the top 15 individually on their home course. If they do, all seven Pella varsity runners could earn automatic state qualification, a rare and impressive team feat.
Boone has been solid all season, anchored by a steady top-three that thrives on pack running. ADM (#13) continues to trend upward after strong conference performances, and Xavier (#19) brings an experienced lineup led by #23 Mia Deegan that’s capable of upsetting the team standings.
With so many of the state’s top individuals running for ranked programs, a large share of the automatic qualifiers could come from state-qualifying teams — making the at-large rule particularly relevant for those seeking to advance individually.
Ranked Individuals in Field:
- #1 Marissa Ferebee – Pella
- #4 Elsie Brenneman – Pella
- #14 Elizabeth VandeVoort – Pella
- #22 Carleigh Altwine – Pella
- #23 Mia Deegan – CR Xavier
- #26 Ruth Dunham – Pella
Ranked Teams in Field:
- #1 Pella
- #9 Boone
- #13 ADM, Adel
- #19 CR Xavier
🔸 Boys Preview
The boys’ race is equally loaded, headlined by #2 Pella, one of the favorites to contend for the 3A state title. The Dutch will be tested by #6 Clear Creek-Amana, #10 ADM, and #18 Carlisle — four top-20 teams all chasing three tickets to Fort Dodge.
Senior #3 Canaan Dunham has been a front-runner all season and will look to control the race from the gun. He’ll be joined by #8 Mason Gaulke and #24 Jonah Ebersole, giving Pella a strong trio capable of leading the team to another dominant finish.
Clear Creek-Amana’s #11 Carson Meskimen and Carlisle’s #21 Kael Streeter should be near the front as well, while Knoxville’s #13 Isaac Rankin provides a local connection and could mix things up among the individual qualifiers.
Ranked Individuals in Field:
- #3 Canaan Dunham – Pella
- #8 Mason Gaulke – Pella
- #11 Carson Meskimen – Clear Creek-Amana
- #13 Isaac Rankin – Knoxville
- #21 Kael Streeter – Carlisle
- #24 Jonah Ebersole – Pella
Ranked Teams in Field:
- #2 Pella
- #6 Clear Creek-Amana
- #10 ADM, Adel
- #18 Carlisle
🔸 Looking Ahead
The top three teams and a minimum of five individuals not on qualifying teams will advance to the 2025 Class 3A State Championships in Fort Dodge on Friday, October 31, with 3A races beginning at 2:00 PM.
For the Dutch, this meet offers both a home-course advantage and a chance to sharpen for the season’s biggest stage. The postseason pressure is on — and the Central College course should deliver some of the fastest, fiercest racing of the year.
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