GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - For the fourth straight year in a row, women's cross country won the WHAC Championship title on their way to an automatic bid into the NAIA National Tournament. This year, the National Championship is taking place in Columbia, Missouri at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. The Golden Eagles already had a taste of the course earlier in the season as the competed in the Gans Creek Classic hosted by the University of Missouri back on September 27th. 

While the women's cross country competes as a team, Chase Holwerda from the men's cross country team will compete as an individual looking at a chance to showcase Cornerstone's talent. Holwerda ran 25:36.42 to place eighth in the WHAC Championship. When asked about the race this week, this is what he said; "The opportunity to go to Nationals is such a blessing! As a sophomore, I'm excited to run against the top runners in the country and learn more about how to be the best runner I can be. This opportunity to be able to run at this level of competition is strictly from the Lord! Before every race I hear the Lord speak a word to me like "patience" and throughout the whole race I'll cling to that word and it helps me get through and run the times needed to be successful. Excited to see what God says while racing at nationals!"

Kori Baumann leads the women's side as she was named WHAC Runner of the Year thanks to her first place finish time of 22:05.74. She will look to lead the Golden Eagles one last time as a senior looking to go out on top. Emma Moore was named WHAC Newcomer of the Year as she placed second behind Kori with a time of 22:11.96. When asked about nationals, this is what she said; "I'm thankful to have such a strong group of girls that aren't afraid to take a leap of faith to do what it takes and compete. We all push each other to work hard and I think we build off each other's energy. You don't see a team that's willing to run for not only themselves, but for the team and for God's glory. I know what we have as a team is special and I am simply trying to live every moment in gratitude this season!"

Jacie Remtema was asked about nationals this week, this what she said; "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the NAIA. It is truly an honor to be able to compete against the best. I'm excited to be able to use my gifts to glorify God and being able to compete with my teammates and celebrate with them after is the greatest blessing of all." Remtema was named WHAC First Team All-conference thanks to her sixth place finish of 22:36.31.

The NAIA National Championship begins Friday, November 22 with the men's 8K at 11:30 a.m. EST with the women's 5K to follow at 12:30 p.m. EST. You can watch live HERE.