Shepherd, MI - Grace Christian University's Cross Country team began their season at Central Michigan University on Friday, August 29th, with exciting potential for this season.

On the men's side, team captain sophomore Ian Hinkle (Grand Ledge, MI) brushed near his personal best for the 5k with a time of 17:34, freshman Caleb Anderson (Wyoming, MI), breaking ground at his first college meet with a time of 18:11, his personal best in the 5k. This year, two newcomers debuted in cross country: sophomore Jude Vargo (Pennhills, PA) moved from track & field to cross country with a time of 21:58, and freshman Marshall Gonzalez (San Antonio, TX). While they raced a solid 5k, the men couldn't qualify for Nationals today since qualification is based on 8k times. They are excited to qualify at an upcoming 8k race.
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On the women's side, team captain, junior Kristina Brandenburg (Twin Lake, MI), senior Maty DeNeui (Fenton, MI), and freshman Sayla Bender (Kingsley, MI) ran qualifying times for individual placement at Nationals later in the fall. Brandenburg (22:35), Denuni (23:55), and Bender (23:47). Additional results came from Sophomore Aura Fleis (Republic Township, MI) and Freshman Lily Anderson (Pickford, MI), who contributed to lowering the team's average time to 24:17. This qualifies Grace Christian's women's team for NCCAA Nationals. The team is excited to focus on developing strategies in preparation for the national competition.
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This year the team has focused on cultivating a passion for this sport and the people around them by finding out what each individual member is capable of with an emphasis on how the hard work and trials they face can reflect God in their own lives and reflect onto those around them. Coach Verwey, thinking about the season to come said, "I know this team has a lot of potential, I am excited for when they see it and begin to achieve it and we still have work to do."
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Now the team looks forward to working hard throughout the season, specifically at the Raider Invitational hosted by GRCC next Friday, September 5th at the Gainey Athletic Complex on East Paris Ave. in Grand Rapids. The 8k men's race is at 10:00 am, the 5k women's race is at 11:00 am. Work hard. Value others. Glorify God.