Men's cross dominate on home course
The one word that best describes this season for the Calvin men’s cross-country team is “domination.” With four decisive victories against Division III opponents, Calvin once again took home the MIAA conference crown.
Calvin athletes showed just how dominating they can be at this year’s MIAA championship on Oct. 30. The Knights gave a great inauguration to their brand new cross-country course and a great show to large number of fans who came out to support them.
Using the excellent teamwork that they have exhibited all season, Calvin runners were able to fight through the gusting winds.
As sophomore runner Tim Finnegan mentioned, “There were a couple times when the wind gusts felt like a brick wall, but when I had teammates around me, we helped break the wind for each other.”
Overcoming the conditions, the Knights ran themselves into the top eight finishing positions. Many people in the crowd found it amazing to see such a large sea of maroon cross the finish line together, but to the runners it was just as they had planned.
Calvin’s top eight finishers came in as follows: Hendrik Kok, 25:32; Dave Haagsma, 25:41; Jeff Engbers, 25:43; Andy Yazzie, 26:10; Tim Finnegan, 26:15; Bill Reynolds, 26:15; Ben Hammer, 26:32; Harrison Jorritsma, 26:39.
Not only was this an impressive performance, it also has great importance in the up-and-coming regional and national cross-country meets.
Calvin with send seven runners and one alternate to each meet. But as this year’s MIAA Most Valuable Runner Dave Haagsma puts it, this means even more: “By taking the top eight spots, each of us gained confidence in ourselves personally, but more importantly we have great confidence in each other. This was a huge momentum builder that will carry us into the regional meet in two weeks.”
With such dominating performances throughout this year’s MIAA season, seven Calvin College runners also received recognition with by being named to the All-MIAA First Team. These runners include Jeff Engbers, Tim Finnegan, Dave Haagsma, Ben Hammer, Harrison Jorritsma, Hendrik Kok and Andy Yazzie.
With the MIAA championship under its belt, the cross-country team has set its sights on the regional meet taking place on Nov. 13 hosted by Alma College. With a great sense of confidence and unity, Calvin’s talented team heads for this year’s regional meet. The Knights would love your support as they seek yet another national title.
 |
 |