Lansing, MI – Surrounded by family, friends, coaches and his River’s Edge Community Church community, Grand Ledge senior distance runner Ian Hinkle signed his national letter of intent with Grace Christian University Cross Country and Track & Field on Saturday. Hinkle, the son of Jeff and Missy Hinkle, and the brother of Gaby, has a 5k PR in cross country of 17:21 and, on the track, sports a 4:59 1600m and 10:55 3200 personal best times. He will be focusing his studies on psychology and ministry while at Grace.

Saturday’s letter of intent ceremony at River’s Edge Community Church was well attended and it was clear the community of support Hinkle has had in his life to help him grow in his faith, academics, and athletics. Specifically recognizing his coaches at Grand Ledge, Hinkle spoke about how Coach Buckland, Coach Hutchinson, Coach Stevens, and Coach White all helped him learn how to persevere through obstacles. His high school coaches spoke to those assembled on Saturday about the character and nature of Hinkle that has helped him arrive to this point and how they are excited to see him continue his running career at Grace.

Hinkle stated that as soon as he visited Grace, it felt like home to him. Specifically about joining the cross country and track programs at Grace, Hinkle said, “I felt welcomed when I first arrived and the team already treats me like family.”

Grace head coach Gerry Verwey knew right away that Hinkle was the right fit for Grace and the team. “Ian is going to be a role model for students on our campus and I foresee him developing into a leader for our team. He’s polite, hard working, coachable, and wants to do what’s right.” Verwey added, “I love Ian’s passion for running and competition. I look forward to seeing what he does during his senior year of track at Grand Ledge and can’t wait for him to join us this summer for Cross Country.”