Central women’s cross country prepares for another successful season

PELLA- USTFCCCA All-American Addison Parrott (senior/Danville) heads a youthful Central College women’s cross country team.

The Dutch are coming off a ninth-place NCAA Division III Championships finish, the program’s highest since winning the first national crown in 1981, but graduated four of the squad’s seven varsity runners, including a pair of all-America honorees. But coach Joe Dunham is excited about the depth of this year’s squad.

Joining Parrott from last year’s national meet competitors are Kira Hooper (senior/ Henderson, N.C./Citrus Valley HS), and Leah Bontrager (junior/Wellman, Iowa/Hillcrest Academy). Also back is Eva Hoch (senior/Norwalk), who along with Parrott will serve as team co-captains.

“We want to carry the momentum from last season into this year,” Dunham said. “Our goal is to qualify for the national meet and compete for a conference championship. These are big goals for a team that is talented and works hard. I am excited to give the team these opportunities and for them to take advantage of the opportunities.”

A competitive schedule starts with the Central Dutch Invitational Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. on the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex cross country course.

“I am really excited about our schedule,” said Dunham. “We have some great competition across our entire season starting with the Dutch Invitational. The last time we raced on the course our women ran very well at the conference championships. I am excited to see them in action again and see how they come together as a team. The schedule will prepare them for the championship season later in the season.”