The men’s and women’s Barclay College Cross Country team traveled to Sterling, Kans. for the Sterling College Warrior Fest. It was the first meet of the season for the Bears, but it was also fruitful under new head coach Whitney Kregar and assistant coach Katelyn Ogle.

Sophomore Noah Camp (Winfield, Kans.), a 4th place finisher at 2015 National Christian College Athletic Association national meet, once again qualified for nationals with a time of 30:08 in the men’s 8k race. Though he started out a bit faster than planned because of the stiff competition, he settled into a rhythm and fell just shy of his sub 30 minute goal.

Following Noah’s race, senior Katy Vanderploeg (Haviland, Kans.) toed the line for the women’s 5k. She also ran a fast first mile and nearly shattered her career personal best. In the end, she also qualified for nationals for the second year in a row, with a time of 23:11.

Ogle was very pleased with the team’s performance as head coach Kregar was out on maternity leave. “Both athletes were incredibly excited before their races. They have been working very hard and were ready to compete” Ogle said.

All in all, the season is looking very bright for Barclay Cross Country. Their next meet is Tabor College XC Invitational on Friday, September 23rd in Marion, Kans. at 6:00 pm.