Pella Boys Track and Field Qualifies for Multiple Drake Relays Events

Dutch athletes hit six Blue Standard marks, including a top shuttle hurdle relay time in Iowa.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:00pm

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The Pella boys track and field team has already qualified for multiple events at the upcoming 116th Drake Relays, hitting six Blue Standard marks so far this season. The qualifiers include individual events in the 400m, 3000m, and 110m hurdles, as well as relay teams in the 4x100m and shuttle hurdle relay.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the prestigious Drake Relays is a major accomplishment for high school athletes in Iowa, as it showcases their talent on one of the sport's biggest stages. Pella's strong early-season performances demonstrate the depth and quality of their track and field program, which could lead to a successful team showing at the Drake Relays.

The details

The Pella boys have already hit Blue Standard marks in six events: the 400m (Harrison Mullens), 3000m (Canaan Dunham), 110m hurdles (Caiden Johnson, Logan VanDenBroek), 4x100m relay (Owen Kettler, Caiden Johnson, Harry Tallman, Landen Pleima), and the shuttle hurdle relay (Grant Finken, Logan VanDenBroek, Ben O'Halloran, Caiden Johnson), which has the best time in Iowa so far this season.

  • The Drake Relays are scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.
  • Pella's track and field teams will return to action on Thursday, April 10, 2026 in Oskaloosa.

The players

Harrison Mullens

A Pella athlete who qualified for the Drake Relays in the 400m event.

Canaan Dunham

A Pella athlete who qualified for the Drake Relays in the 3000m event.

Caiden Johnson

A Pella athlete who qualified for the Drake Relays in the 110m hurdles and as part of the shuttle hurdle relay team.

Logan VanDenBroek

A Pella athlete who qualified for the Drake Relays in the 110m hurdles and as part of the shuttle hurdle relay team.

Blake Boldon

The Director of the Drake Relays, who commented on the high-level performances by Iowa high school athletes.

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What they’re saying

“As a track and field fan in Iowa, it's thrilling to see outstanding, national-caliber marks in field events that match the headlines made by Iowa high school athletes on the track already in 2026.”

— Blake Boldon, Director of the Drake Relays

What’s next

Pella's track and field teams will return to action on Thursday, April 10, 2026 in Oskaloosa as they continue to prepare for the Drake Relays later that month.

The takeaway

Pella's strong early-season performances in track and field demonstrate the depth and quality of their program, which could lead to a successful team showing at the prestigious Drake Relays in April. The school's ability to produce multiple Blue Standard qualifiers highlights the talent and dedication of their athletes.