Following an impressive open to the season last week at Grinnell, the Pella Cross Country team will try to again hold their own when they take part in the Ballard Invitational. Recognized as the largest cross country meet in the state, the Little Dutch will be among 32 teams in a highly competitive field.

Runners Michael Schemm and Evan Jones say the Pella High boys team will need to keep its focus at the meet, citing stiff competition from another of the top teams in Class 3A.

“Ballard is definitely a great meet, and the course is a really good course. We’ll just see where we’re at from that meet,” said Schemm.

“I think just having the right attitude going in is important. We can’t get over-confident with our abilities – even with the No. 1 ranking – because Boone is right behind us and they have some really great runners,” added Jones. “They’re actually a team that’s pretty similar to us with a lot of returning runners. We’ve just got to be confident, but not cocky.”

The Ballard Invitational begins this afternoon in Huxley.