An ongoing zoom video series highlighting the track and cross country programs at Pella High School continued recently with how the recent string of success of the Pella teams all started.

Head Cross Country Coach Doug Cutler and Assistant Coach Robin Hammann started leading the Pella Cross Country teams in 2005.

In a video conversation, Cory Fitzsimmons, Walker Bell, Trey Behning, Adam Verhoef, Copper Andrew Bentz, Joshua D. Hones, Luke Elzinga, and Coach Hammann all reunited over the internet to share the stories of the first team that launched one of the state’s elite cross country programs in Class 3A.

Since that 2005 season, the Pella boys cross country team has been to 14 state meets in 15 years, with team championships in 2009 and 2013, and top six finishes in 12 straight appearances. The Lady Dutch have been to the state meet 14 consecutive seasons, and own 13 top ten finishes in Class 3A.