WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The 2024 cross country season is days away from kicking off for Grace, and the Lancers are excited for the possibilities.
Head coach Brian Dewey, who joined Grace in the winter, is ready for his first fall cross country season guiding the Lancers.
Grace has enjoyed unparalleled success in recent history, coming off three consecutive NCCAA national championships for the men and women. The Lancers have also achieved a consistent ranking in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.
The women are ranked No. 16 in the NAIA preseason poll, and the men are receiving votes (No. 26 overall).
Coach Dewey was eager to see how the team was shaping up during the preseason.
“I’m very excited for this season. We are coming off an incredible track campaign where many of our athletes had PRs and grew as runners,” Dewey said. “Our women’s team looks healthy and will be among the top contenders, and our men’s team should surprise some people. Both squads are looking very strong.”
Grace has several key returners to anchor its lineup.
Kylie Sauder is one of the most decorated runners in Grace’s history and is a three-time NAIA All-American in cross country.
Grace’s women gathered a stunning seven NCCAA All-American honors in 2023 with four of those runners returning to action (Esther Cameron, Cece Mitchell, Addison Grady, Tame Baylis).
Brady Hunsberger was an NCCAA All-American on the men’s side in 2023, and Cole Johnston, Brandon Kleber and Justin Van Prooyen have also collected NCCAA All-American recognition during their careers.
The Lancers have also brought in several talented newcomers in 2024. The rookies will have the luxury to develop under a strong group of veteran leaders this fall.
A key for Grace to reach its potential will be health and preparation. Dewey will continue to emphasize the proper balance of training, rest and fuel to his student-athletes in order for them to maximize their abilities.
“We have the athletes we need to succeed at a high level. If we can do the little things right, we can set ourselves up to reach our potential.”
Beyond the training and racing grounds, Dewey was mostly excited to see how the Lancers were developing as a group. With their sights set on growing in their faith as much as their times, Grace has remained committed to its values and ultimate goals.
“Our program has an amazing family-like feel right now, and we want to continue developing that strong culture,” Dewey added. “This is going to be an exciting year, and I’m looking forward to the athletes experiencing deep joy and freedom in the gift God has given them.”
The Lancers will kick off the season on Sept. 6 with the IWU Twilight Invite. Grace will race in four different states during the 2024 season, including Michigan and Kentucky. A highlight of the season will be racing at Missouri’s Gans Creek Classic in late September, a preview of the NAIA’s championship course two months later.
Additionally, Grace will host the 2024 NCCAA National Championships at Warsaw Community High School on Nov. 15.