NORTON, Ohio -- The eight men's cross programs from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) competed at the 2023 NCAA Great Lakes Region Championship on Saturday, November 11, at the Silvercreek Metropark in Norton, Ohio.
Calvin University junior Luke Witvliet led the MIAA runners in the 8K with a fifth-place finish (24:01.1), followed by Hope College junior Connor Vachon in eighth place (24:04.8) and Trine University sophomore Ryan Hoopingarner in ninth place (24:09.7).
Next up from the conference was junior Knight Thaine Nederveld in thirteenth place with a time of 24:22.6. Hope freshman Ian Petruska completed the race in fourteenth place after clocking in at 24:23.7. Calvin senior William Hofmann earned a sixteenth-place finish with a time of 24:26.8 and was trailed immediately by sophomore Flying Dutchman Carston Cole (24:27.9). Junior Caleb Gaffner of Calvin also finished in the top twenty with a time of 24:30.7.
An additional duo of Knights also finished in the top 50, including junior Jacob Buit with a 29th-place finish (24:41.4) and sophomore Ryan Sarkett in 44th place (24:54.1).
Calvin was the runner-up of the regional meet with 82 points, followed by Hope in fourth place with 169 points and Trine in seventh place with 240 points. Kalamazoo College (781 points), Adrian College (792 points), and Alma College (802 points) all finished in the top 30. Albion College and The University of Olivet concluded the 8K in 33rd and 34th, respectively.
The NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship selections will be announced on Sunday, November 12, at www.ncaa.com.
MIAA Finishes
2. Calvin - 82 points
4. Hope - 169 points
7. Trine - 240 points
25. Kalamazoo - 781 points
26. Adrian - 792 points
28. Alma - 802 points
33. Albion - 957 points
34. Olivet - 957 points
2022 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship links
NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country page
2023 NCAA Great Lakes Region results
