The Hope women's cross country team is headed to the NCAA Division III National Championships for the fourth consecutive season and 11th time in school history.
The Flying Dutch received on Sunday an at-large berth to the national meet this Saturday in Hanover, Ind. They finished third at the Great Lakes Regional and second at the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA ) championships.
Hope coach Mark Northuis said the Flying Dutch benefited from their recent trips to nationals.
"Our women's team has strong, experienced leadership who have all competed at the national championship several times," Northuis said. "Their confident focus has help to guide the younger runners and prepare them for the MIAA and NCAA championship meets. We look forward to a great experience and ending to this season."
Senior Meredith Busman of Coopersville (Coopersvile HS) led Hope at the Great Lakes Regional by posting a 15th-place time of 22 minutes, 17.5 seconds.
From left, coach Mark Northuis, coach Kyle Morrison, Katie Carlson, Casey Campbell, Julia Stock, Sheri McCormack, Meredith Busman, Erin Herrmann, Emily Wrozek, Camille Borst, Jessica Gaines, Emily Joosse, Michelle Kerr and coach Brian VanZanten. Tom Renner/Hope Public Relations
