by Alan Babbitt

Four runners from the Hope College men's cross country team claimed All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors for the 2021 season.

Senior Nick Hoffman and freshman Connor Vachon each made the All-MIAA First Team, while juniors Anders Bogard and Gabriel DeYoung are both All-MIAA Second Team selections.

The group helped the Flying Dutchmen take second place at the MIAA Championship for their highest team finish in six years.

Hoffman (Holland, Michigan / Holland) finished second out of 114 runners at the 8K MIAA Championships.

The public accounting major is an All-MIAA cross country honoree for the first time. 

"Nick brings outstanding leadership and confidence," head coach Mark Northuis said. "He has shown that he can race with the top D-III runners in the nation over a range of distances."

Vachon (Jenison, Michigan / Jenison) placed fourth at the MIAA Championships.

"As a freshman, Connor has shown a high level of determination and competitive spirit," Northuis said. "He has competed very well against the top tier of D-III runners providing us with depth upfront in races."

DeYoung (Saegertown, Pennsylvania / Saegertown) recorded an 11th-place effort at the MIAA Championships. The mathematics major received his first All-MIAA recognition.

"Gabe has been a huge addition to our top group of men," Northuis said. "He is consistent in his training and racing which provides leadership in our pack racing mentality.  His endurance helps to carry his teammates through the end of races."

Bogard (Mattawan, Michigan / Kalamazoo Christian) finished 13th at the MIAA Championships. The biology major earned All-MIAA recognition for the first time.

"Anders has shown tremendous improvement this season and is rising to the top as a team leader," Northuis said. " The year off hurt his racing experience but helped his physical development.  As he gains more confidence in racing in big meets, he will help us upfront."