In their first competition of 2026, the Central College men's and women's track and field teams won 12 events at the home Dutch Athletics Classic in Pella. The meet featured competitors from Grinnell College, Simpson College and William Penn University, with no team scores recorded. Several athletes delivered standout performances across various disciplines.
The Dutch Athletics Classic took place on Friday in Pella, Iowa, marking the season opener for Central College's track and field programs. Hosted at Central's facilities, the indoor meet brought together athletes from four colleges: Central, Grinnell, Simpson and William Penn. Without official team standings, the focus remained on individual achievements, where Central excelled by securing victories in 12 events.
On the women's side, senior Olivia Bohlen from Belle Plaine claimed two titles. She ran a season-best 9.05 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles and cleared 5 feet, 2.25 inches in the high jump. Freshmen Brynn Wilson of Huxley and Maddy Stevens of Grimes also shone, with Wilson winning the mile in 5:34.39 and Stevens taking the 1,000 meters in 3:02.77. Other notable women's results included Leah Howard's pole vault win at 10 feet, 6 inches, and top-three finishes in events like the 60 meters (Ava Parkins, 7.75 seconds) and 300 meters (Olivia Phillips, 42.99 seconds).
The men's team matched the success, led by sophomore Lance Bunde from Guthrie Center, who cleared 6 feet, 5.5 inches in the high jump for his second title of the season. Teammate Landon Pote from Ankeny matched the height but required more attempts. Sophomore Jack Every from Grimes won the 1,000 meters in 2:39.01, while Gunner Meyer took the 60-meter hurdles in 8.03 seconds and Kyle Rogers the pole vault at 14 feet, 6 inches. Kale Purcell rounded out key wins with a triple jump of 48 feet, 0.5 inches.
Central's athletes demonstrated strong early-season form, setting a positive tone ahead of upcoming meets. The teams are scheduled to compete next Friday at the Prairie Wolf Invitational hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan University and the Cyclone Open at Iowa State University.
