Greenville, SC – The NCCAA proudly awarded Ben Bird as the 2023 Elvin and Joyce King Award Recipient for Division II Men’s Cross Country.

Bird is a respected leader on campus, in the classroom, and on the cross country team. The junior from Allendale, Michigan has trusted in God’s plan and relied on Him through several recent trials and challenges in his life. Bird serves as a small group leader and as the Interim Tech Director in his hometown church. He helped create and also serves on Grace Christian’s student-athlete advisory council. Bird also serves as a Resident Assistant on campus and frequently shares his faith journey with others, including during chapel services.

On the course, Bird currently has the 10th fastest 8k time in program history for the Tigers. Bird’s time of 31:06.1 was at the 2023 NCCAA North Regional Meet. He’s earned NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week honors and the Grace Christian University Cross Country “Rojo” Award for heart and perseverance. The interdisciplinary studies major holds a 3.41 GPA and has been named to the Dean’s List multiple times.

“Ben has a passion for running and is always eager to learn, follows the sport closely, and is incredibly open-minded to coaching and being challenged,” said Head Coach Gerry Verwey. “He has been an absolute pleasure to coach and his gains on the course and track are not by mistake.”

Award Description
Elvin and Joyce King were instrumental in the development and growth of both cross country and track & field within the NCCAA. Elvin served as meet director and National Sport Chair in each sport for many years, while Joyce was the point person administratively for the championship meets. Elvin’s teams won nine NCCAA Cross Country National Championships and he was named NCCAA Coach of the Year eight times. Elvin and Joyce served alongside each other for over 40 years at Cedarville and worked tirelessly to make an impact for Christ. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Elvin and Joyce King’s legacy of service.