In the midst of an Iowa High School threepeat, the Pella girls cross country team has high hopes for what can ultimately be accomplished by the end of the calendar year.

An overwhelming favorite to claim a fourth consecutive state championship, the Dutch are building for the potential success that could follow that remarkable accomplishment.

MileSplitUSA has the Pella girls ranked 7th in the nation among girls cross country teams. The report cited the six returning Dutch athletes from the 2024 championship team, including Nike All-American Marissa Ferebee, Class 3A state runner-up Elise Brenneman, and 3rd place All-State athlete Ruth Dunham.

While the sanctioned season will likely end in Fort Dodge on October 31st, Pella is gearing up for their best race of the season at the NXR Heartland race on November 9th in Sioux Falls. Last year, the Dutch placed 4th, narrowly missing a team qualifying national bid.

In the meantime, the Pella girls and boys cross country season opens in one week at Cedar Rapids Prairie.