The BC Cross Country team had their first meet of the season this past Saturday morning in Sterling, Kans. Perfect running conditions and a fast course made for an excellent race day at the Sterling Country Club for the Sterling College Warrior Fest Invitational.

On the men’s side, freshman Noah Camp (Winfield, Kans.) qualified for the National Christian College Athletic Association national meet in Houghton, N.Y. this coming November. Camp ran a 30:43 in his first ever collegiate 8k. His time was several minutes ahead of the time he needed to qualify for nationals and placed him 18 out of 26 runners.

Junior Katy Vanderploeg (Haviland, Kans.) finished with a personal best in the women’s 5k course. She is within reach of qualifying for nationals on the women’s side as she turned in a 25:44 in her first time competing this season.

New coach on the block Hannah Kendall stated that it was a super first meet for these two Bears as she looks for continued development from both Camp and Vanderploeg. They will next compete on Sept. 25 at Marion Reservoir. The meet is hosted by Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kans.) and the women’s race is set to start at 5 pm with the men’s race to follow.