Eighteen Dutch Athletes Earn All-Region Track and Field Honors

Central College sets program record with 18 athletes recognized by USTFCCCA

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:50pm

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A record 18 members of the Central College men's and women's track and field teams were named All-Midwest Region performers for the indoor season by the USTFCCCA. To earn All-Region status, athletes must rank in the top five of an individual event or be part of a top-three relay team in the region.

Why it matters

This achievement highlights the strength and depth of Central College's track and field programs, which have consistently produced top regional and national performers. The high number of All-Region honorees reflects the hard work and talent of the Dutch athletes and coaches.

The details

Several Central athletes earned All-Region recognition in multiple events. On the women's side, Ava Parkins and Peyton Steffen were honored in four events each, while Emily McMartin earned three All-Region spots. Olivia Bohlen, Alivia Roerdink, Kennedy Petersen, Maddy Stevens, Olivia Phillips, Kyra Cordes, and Karlee Warnke also received All-Region accolades. For the men, Kale Hobart was a three-event honoree, and Kale Purcell, Gunner Meyer, Jack Brown, Lance Bunde, Grant Miller, Gage Huyser, Landon Pote, and Gavin Smith were also recognized.

  • The USTFCCCA announced the All-Midwest Region performers on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.
  • The NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships will take place this weekend in Birmingham, Alabama.

The players

Ava Parkins

A Central College women's track and field athlete who earned All-Midwest Region honors in four events: the 60-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, and 4x400-meter relay.

Peyton Steffen

A Central College women's track and field athlete who earned All-Midwest Region recognition in four events: the mile run, 3,000-meter run, 5,000-meter run, and distance medley relay.

Kale Hobart

A Central College men's track and field athlete who earned All-Midwest Region honors in three events: the 60-meter hurdles, long jump, and heptathlon.

USTFCCCA

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, the governing body that recognizes All-Region performers in NCAA Division III track and field.

Central College

A private liberal arts college located in Pella, Iowa, known for its strong track and field programs.

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What’s next

Central's national qualifiers will compete at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Alabama this weekend.

The takeaway

Central College's track and field programs continue to produce elite regional and national-level talent, with a record 18 Dutch athletes earning All-Midwest Region honors this indoor season. This achievement underscores the strength of the college's coaching, training, and recruitment efforts in sustaining competitive track and field programs.