Grace Cross Country Hungry To Build On Success
August 31, 2022 at 11:19 p.m.
Grace Cross Country Hungry To Build On Success
By Josh Neuhart-
The men’s and women’s squads have made their mark at the national level in recent years under fourth-year head coach Jake Poyner. The two teams swept the NCCAA national championships last year and went on to excel at the NAIA race.
As a result, the women’s team begins the year ranked No. 9 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. It is the highest NAIA ranking in program history.
The men’s side is ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll, continuing their trend of being ranked nationally.
The teams are loaded with talent, including a pair of NAIA All-Americans from a year ago. Bryan Hernandez-Rios was an All-American last year by finishing in 16th place, and Kylie Sauder became the first women’s NAIA All-American when she placed 24th in her freshman campaign.
The women’s team also returns multiple All-Crossroads League performers, including Mallory Hiatt and Heather Plastow, and Dimitri Margaritidis was on the verge of All-League last year for the men.
The Lancers are hoping to build on their recent success and aim even higher this fall. While Grace has celebrated the hard work and dedication of the past few seasons, Poyner maintained that his runners are hungry for more.
“I see a lot of growth on both teams. Our upperclassmen know how quick four years of collegiate cross country flies by, so they are ready to lead our teams with class and integrity,” Poyner said. “I could not be more proud of where this team has been and where we are headed.”
Poyner has brought in a loaded freshman class, including arguably the most talented women’s class in program history. Addison Grady (Cedar Falls, Iowa), Esther Cameron (Rio Rancho, N.M.) and Morgan Welch (Ashland, Ohio) were multiple All-State performers who will push for top-six spots immediately.
On the men’s side, graduate students Korry Hamlin and Phillip Selmer join Grace cross country for the first time. Additionally, freshman Cole Johnson was a multiple Indiana All-State prospect from Goshen High School. The trio bolster a deep men’s squad who has been consistently ranked in the NAIA.
Poyner said his team was not shy about being ambitious. The team wants to win their first conference championship and to defend their NCCAA national crowns.
“We want to finish high at the NAIA championship as well. But more than that, we want to see a group of young men and women who grow deeply in their relationships, character, vocations and, most importantly, their faith,” Poyner said. “I am very excited to work with both of their teams on their pursuits this fall.”
The Lancers will begin their season this Friday with the Mastodon Opener, followed by the Wildcat Invitational on Sept. 9.
The men’s and women’s squads have made their mark at the national level in recent years under fourth-year head coach Jake Poyner. The two teams swept the NCCAA national championships last year and went on to excel at the NAIA race.
As a result, the women’s team begins the year ranked No. 9 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. It is the highest NAIA ranking in program history.
The men’s side is ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll, continuing their trend of being ranked nationally.
The teams are loaded with talent, including a pair of NAIA All-Americans from a year ago. Bryan Hernandez-Rios was an All-American last year by finishing in 16th place, and Kylie Sauder became the first women’s NAIA All-American when she placed 24th in her freshman campaign.
The women’s team also returns multiple All-Crossroads League performers, including Mallory Hiatt and Heather Plastow, and Dimitri Margaritidis was on the verge of All-League last year for the men.
The Lancers are hoping to build on their recent success and aim even higher this fall. While Grace has celebrated the hard work and dedication of the past few seasons, Poyner maintained that his runners are hungry for more.
“I see a lot of growth on both teams. Our upperclassmen know how quick four years of collegiate cross country flies by, so they are ready to lead our teams with class and integrity,” Poyner said. “I could not be more proud of where this team has been and where we are headed.”
Poyner has brought in a loaded freshman class, including arguably the most talented women’s class in program history. Addison Grady (Cedar Falls, Iowa), Esther Cameron (Rio Rancho, N.M.) and Morgan Welch (Ashland, Ohio) were multiple All-State performers who will push for top-six spots immediately.
On the men’s side, graduate students Korry Hamlin and Phillip Selmer join Grace cross country for the first time. Additionally, freshman Cole Johnson was a multiple Indiana All-State prospect from Goshen High School. The trio bolster a deep men’s squad who has been consistently ranked in the NAIA.
Poyner said his team was not shy about being ambitious. The team wants to win their first conference championship and to defend their NCCAA national crowns.
“We want to finish high at the NAIA championship as well. But more than that, we want to see a group of young men and women who grow deeply in their relationships, character, vocations and, most importantly, their faith,” Poyner said. “I am very excited to work with both of their teams on their pursuits this fall.”
The Lancers will begin their season this Friday with the Mastodon Opener, followed by the Wildcat Invitational on Sept. 9.
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