Grand Rapids, MI – The Grace Christian University Cross Country teams had a big day at Calvin University’s Knight Invite on Saturday, September 19. Despite heavy rain creating a muddy and slippery course, the Tigers looked determined and did not let the conditions limit their opportunities from reaching closer to their season goals.
Men’s Races
On the men’s side, junior Ian Hinkle (Grand Ledge, MI) and sophomore Caleb Anderson (Wyoming, MI) were well under the NCCAA qualifying standard to punch their tickets to Nationals later this season. Hinkle led the way for the Tigers crossing the line in 30:12, with Anderson next across the line in 32:00. Both men have a lot more in the tank and are still working on improving their racing strategy, particularly in the middle miles of the race.
Women’s Races
For the women, with sophomore Sayla Bender (Kingsley, MI) already qualified for Nationals, Saturday’s meet provided a new challenge of being the first ever 6k she has raced. Bender did not shy away from the challenge, as she finished the race in a time of 28:48, which is the 6th fastest 6k in school history for the women (Top 6k times in school history: #1 – Kim (Buskirk) Proctor, #2 – Olivia Weenum, #3 – Josie (Lange) Williams, #4 – Emily Curtis, #5 – Sarena Overbeek, #6 – Sayla Bender).
Aura Fleis (Republic, MI) was second for the Tigers (32:00) with Grace Salminen (Traverse City, MI) third (36:21). Both Fleis and Salminen ran their season fastest race paces of the season, suggesting improvement over the first half of the season. Equally exciting, freshman Abigail Leon (Orlando, FL) made her debut for the Tigers today (38:51). Leon showed grit and a hint of her potential in less than ideal conditions as she competed in her first collegiate cross country race.
The cross country squads will now enjoy a few weeks off from racing as they continue to build strength, speed, and mental fortitude for the second half of the season. The next meet for Grace will be on Friday, October 9th at Taylor University.
Learn more about Cross Country at Grace at gracetigers.com.
