In 2013, the Flying Dutch are looking to build on a milestone season that included a Top 10 finish at the NCAA Division III Championships, a Great Lakes Regional team title, the third consecutive trip to nationals and 10th overall.
Hope posted its second-highest finish at the national meet, placing 10th in a 32-team field. The Flying Dutch advanced to nationals by winning a regional championship for the fourth time in school history, besting a 33-team field. Hope also took second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
Veteran Hope coach Mark Northuis was selected 2012 Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year by his peers.
Northuis is entering his 25th season leading the Flying Dutch. Under him, Hope has finished third or higher in the MIAA standings every season, while, also in the past decade, posted a Top 10 finish at regionals eight times.
The 2013 roster of 35 runners features five who ran in the Great Lakes Regional. There are eight seniors, five juniors, six sophomores and 16 freshmen.
The senior co-captains are Camille Borst of Allendale (Allendale HS), Meredith Busman of Coopersville (Coopersville HS) and Sheri McCormack of Holland (West Ottawa HS).
The Flying Dutch return four runners who claimed All-MIAA recognition in 2012. Borst earned first-team distinction, while Busman, McCormack and sophomore Julia Stock of Spring Lake (Grand Haven HS) each were on the second team. All four ran in the Great Lakes Regional, along with senior Katie Carlson of Rockford (Rockford HS).
McCormack was named the cross country team's Most Valuable Runner last season. Senior Katie Carlson of Rockford (Rockford HS) and junior Katie Hauge of Blaine, Minn., (Minnehaha Academy) shared the team's most improved runner award, while Stock was chosen the team's best newcomer.
Hope will host two home meets this season — the 48th annual Vanderbilt Invitational on August 31 at Ridge Point Church and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championships on November 2 at West Ottawa Golf Course.
