A rich tradition of excellence remains the expectation for the Pella boys track and field team as they push for another trophy finish. Pella has finished in the top three of Class 3A each season since 2021, and placed 3rd last spring.

Multiple athletes return from the squad, headlined by former individual state cross country champion Canaan Dunham and a host of other key returners:
Dunham – 1600 Meters – 2nd; 3200 Meters – 2nd; 4×800 – 5th; Sprint Medley Relay
Harrison Mullens – 400 Meters – 6th; 4×400 – 11th; Sprint Medley Relay
Bailey Shetterly – Long Jump – 5th; 4×400 – 11th; Sprint Medley Relay
Mason Gaulke – 800 Meters – 13th; 4×800 – 5th

Additionally, several other athletes on the roster were at state in relays, including Levi Shetterly, Owen Kettler and Colin Kerndt, and a few varsity newcomers may also round out the roster.

Head Coach Brent Van Hauen interview:

Defending champions Western Dubuque return multiple-time individual champion Quentin Naumann but graduate a large portion of their title-winning roster; runners-up ADM also lose the vast majority of points scored at Drake Stadium last spring. Several teams will remain in the Class 3A mix, according to Van Hauen, which should create a wide-open race for the title by late May. Pella opens the season Thursday at Waukee.