Bruin Men Return for Conference Win

By Romare Ashford

Photography by George Fox University

Tacoma, Wash.- On Nov. 2, George Fox University’s (GFU) cross country team returned for a chance at the Northwest Conference championship after a tie with Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) last year. The Bruins defended their conference title with a landslide victory over the Northwest Conference.

GFU won with a first-place score of 52 points over PLU with 71 points and Lewis and Clark with 96 points. 

“We’ve worked so hard for this moment and to bring it home this year is something we’re going  to remember for the rest of our lives,” said athlete Tim Kaelin. 

The Bruin men ran an impressive race to take the conference win. They played to their strength with two lead runners, Kaelin and Peter Weiss, and relied on an amazing pack running to outdo other teams at the conference meet. The runners delivered a stronger ending, outlasting teams that took the initial lead during the race. 

Kaelin led the Bruins with a personal best, placing fourth with 25.35.3. Close behind, Weiss placed fifth place, and Josh Gibbs and Trevor Wilber placed 11th and 12th respectively. At the back end, Rylan Larson crossed 20th, Johnathan Guisinger placed 28th, and Spencer Sprague rounded the bunch with 33th.

Kaelin and Weiss were also awarded first team in conference, given to the top seven finishers in their conference. Gibbs and Wilber were awarded second team, which is for runners who have finished in the next top seven finishers. Coach Bryant Quinn was also awarded coach of the year. 

On the women’s side, the Bruins placed ninth, only seven points behind Puget Sound. Lydia Gronseth placed 25th and Rianna Conery followed with 30th. Ashlee Von Den Top came through at 34th, Jessica Neal placed 40th, and Brenna Sclair finished it off with 52rd. With only one senior in their top five, the women have a chance to improve in 2020.

Next, the men prepare and recover for the regional meet in California, while the women cut down on training and get ready for track season.

George Fox CresentRomare Ashford, George Fox Unviersity, Northwest Conference Championships, Pacific Lutheran University, Lewis and Clark, Tim Kaelin, Peter Weiss, Josh Gibbs, Trevor Wilber, Rylan Larson, Johnathan Guisinger, Spencer Sprague, Bryant Quinn, Lydia Gronseth, Rianna Conery, Ashlee Von Den Top, Jessica Neal, Brenna Sclair