Race Preview: Dutch Host Annual Dutch Invitational

The Pella Dutch return home this week to host the annual Dutch Invitational at the Central College Cross Country Course. This meet is a favorite because of its unique format: there are only two races—one boys’ race and one girls’ race—so the entire team runs together. Everyone is varsity for the day, and the atmosphere is electric from start to finish.

Teams Attending

• Boys: Collins-Maxwell, ADM (3A #7), Baxter (1A #15), Chariton (2A #1), English Valleys, Gilbert (3A #1), Lynnville-Sully (1A #18), Mount Pleasant, North Mahaska, Oskaloosa, Pella Christian (2A #17), Pella (3A #2), Platte County (MO)
• Girls: Collins-Maxwell (1A #12), ADM (3A #16), Baxter, English Valleys (1A #9), Gilbert (3A #12), Lynnville-Sully (1A #6), Mount Pleasant, North Mahaska, Oskaloosa, Pella Christian (2A #12), Pella (3A #1), Platte County (MO)

The Boys’ Race

This year’s boys’ race sets up as one of the best head-to-head showdowns in the state. Gilbert and Pella are ranked #1 and #2 in Class 3A in the latest team rankings, and both programs return deep, talented rosters. At the 2024 Dutch Invite, Gilbert edged Pella 23–32, with the two squads sweeping nine of the top 10 places. Expect another good battle at the front.

Storylines to Watch

• Canaan Dunham (Pella) returns as the defending champion and is currently ranked #2 in Class 3A, behind only Quentin Nauman (Western Dubuque).

• Dunham is backed by teammates Noah Schuknecht (#15) and Mason Gaulke (#28), giving the Dutch one of the best 1–2–3 punches in the state.

• Gilbert, the #1 ranked team in 3A, relies on pack power. Their front group of Logan Bleich, Jacob Tallman, Carson Squiers, and Emmett Barber led the Tigers to four finishers in the top eight last year.

• Note: This week’s individual rankings only include athletes who have raced in 2025. Gilbert’s frontrunners have not yet appeared in the lists but remain among the state’s elite.

• ADM (#7 in 3A) brings state-ranked Ty Miller (#22) to lead their squad, while out-of-state challenger Platte County (MO) adds intrigue to the race.

With the #1 and #2 ranked Class 3A teams and multiple top-30 individuals in the field, the Dutch Invite boys’ race has all the makings of an early-season state meet preview.

View full 2024 Boys Results »

The Girls’ Race

The Dutch come into their home meet as the #1 ranked team in Class 3A and the defending Dutch Invite champions. Last year, Pella swept the top six places and scored the minimum 15 points, one of the most dominant team performances of the season.

Storylines to Watch

• Pella boasts four runners ranked in the top 30 of Class 3A: #1 Marissa Ferebee, #2 Elsie Brenneman, #5 Lizzy Vande Voort, and #11 Carleigh Altwine, plus #26 Ruth Dunham just outside the top 25. That front-running power makes them overwhelming favorites.

• Gilbert (#12) and ADM (#16) return as the next strongest squads in the field. Their individuals have yet to be ranked this season under the “raced-only” criteria but will look to push into the lead pack.

• With several top-10 ranked 3A athletes not competing in this meet, the race for the individual podium is wide open—and could once again be painted Dutch green.

• Athletes from Pella Christian, English Valleys, Lynnville-Sully, and Oskaloosa will compete for top-10 spots and impact team scoring.

The girls’ race looks to be another showcase of Pella’s firepower, with the Dutch front pack not only chasing the team win but also a sweep of the top individual places.

View full 2024 Girls Results »

Expected Lineup

Varsity Boys:

• All boys healthy enough to run!

Varsity Girls:

• All girls healthy enough to run!

Looking Ahead

Following the Dutch Invitational, the team will travel to Ames for the Gilbert Invitational on Thursday, September 11, at the Iowa State University Cross Country Course. This meet brings together another strong field on one of Iowa’s premier courses, giving the Dutch another early-season test against top competition.

5:00 PM – Varsity Boys Race (can enter up to 10 athletes)
5:25 PM – Varsity Girls Race (can enter up to 10 athletes)
5:50 PM – JV Boys Race
6:20 PM – JV Girls Race
6:50 PM – Awards

MEET SCHEDULE

9:00 Girls Race

9:40 Boys Race

TOP 10 PELLA CENTRAL COURSE TIMES

Girls

Boys

2024 VARSITY TEAM RESULTS

Girls

1 Pella 15
2 Gilbert 91
3 A D M 96
4 Lynnville-Sully 130
5 Pella Christian 134
6 English Valleys 137
7 Oskaloosa 163
8 Collins-Maxwell 179

Boys

1 Gilbert 23
2 Pella 32
3 A D M 109
4 Chariton 116
5 Baxter 158
6 Pella Christian 172
7 Lynnville-Sully 184
8 Oskaloosa 193