A class project has propelled the Hope College men's cross country team into a race with the nation's best.

With contributions from all four classes, the Flying Dutchmen have qualified to compete at the NCAA Division III Championships on Saturday, Nov. 23, at noon at the Lavern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana.

It is Hope's first trip to nationals since 1990.

Senior Connor Vachon (Jenison, Michigan / Jenison HS) said the opportunity means the world to the Flying Dutchmen.

"We have worked so hard to build this program from where it was four years ago, and each new class has contributed something new and beneficial," Vachon said. "We know this is an opportunity for us to set a new standard for our team, and refine what success means for Hope Men's Cross Country. 

"Our plan is to show up and make a point that we deserve to be at this level. This is the start of a legacy the team will continue for years to come."

Head coach Mark Northuis '82 echoed Vachon's sentiment.

"Certainly, one of our team goals each year is to compete at a high level that includes challenging for the conference title and running with the best teams in the nation," Northuis said. "We have been close to qualifying as a team for the national championship several times and been overlooked.  It is rewarding for the men's team to finally be recognized among the top D-III teams."
 
Hope received an at-large berth to the NCAA championships after finishing third at last week's NCAA regional in Shelbyville, Indiana.

Vachon clocked the Flying Dutchmen's top 8K performance with a fourth-place run of 24 minutes, 55.72 seconds.

Junior Ian Petruska (Fort Collins, Colorado / Fort Collins) placed 10th with a time of 25:10.65.

Sophomore Carston Cole (Holland, Michigan / West Ottawa) finished 15th by crossing the finish line at 25: 29.73.

Vachon, Petruska and Cole all claimed all-region honors.

Freshman Elias Kretchmar (Granville, Ohio / Granville) posted a 37th-place effort of 25:59.46.

Freshman Logan Begeman (Portage, Michigan / Portage Central) also scored after taking 48th at 26:13.77.

Senior Lucas Guidone (Chicago, Illinois / Taft) finished 105th at 27:07.14. Senior Daniel Campbell (Brighton, Michigan / Brighton) was 130th at 27:27.34.

Northuis, who twice competed at cross country nationals as a student-athlete, said that Hope's reputation as an outstanding institution of higher education has helped to attract very talented scholar-athletes.

"We have been blessed with several strong recruiting classes the past few years resulting in greater depth of talent and experienced leaders," Northuis said. "In fact, three freshmen will race for us on Saturday in the national championship. This added depth and strong leadership aids in training and competing, as well as building a positive team culture.  With eight of our top 10 men returning next year, we are hoping to build on this year's success."

Vachon said a mix of experience and fresh talent has elevated the Flying Dutchmen culturally, athletically and mentally. 

"We have the most talented freshman class Hope has seen in decades. They are smart and willing to listen to advice from our returning members as well as offering up new ideas in the training," Vachon said. "Our team this year is made up of a perfect melting pot of ages and personalities required for success. Each member of the team, not just the travel squad, was integral for the results we have achieved. 

"The future of Hope Cross Country is bright, and these young guys now have the experience necessary to be leaders as soon as next year."