Alan Babbitt [00:00:18]
Welcome to another season of the Hope Athletics Orange and Blue podcast. My name is Alan Babbitt, Sports Information Director at Hope College, where we believe intercollegiate sport is a powerful vehicle for education and personal development.
The mission of Hope Athletics is to provide and promote programs defined by academic success, competitive excellence, and transformational experiences. Conversations with members of the Orange and Blue family spotlight their experiences with the Hope Athletics mission.
With me today on the Hope Athletics Orange and Blue podcast is Hope College cross country and track and field runner Tim Peterson, a junior and a nursing major. Welcome to the Orange and Blue podcast, Tim.
Tim Peterson [00:01:11]
Thanks.
Alan Babbitt
Let's introduce you. Obviously, your friends here at Hope know your story, but those listening may not. Tell us where you grew up and a little about your childhood.
Tim Peterson [00:01:11]
Yeah, so I'm originally from Portage, Michigan. It's a part of Kalamazoo, about an hour south of Holland—so not too far from here. I grew up in a really tight-knit household with two older sisters who shaped a lot of who I am and gave me great life advice. I was blessed with two incredible parents—my mom and dad have been married for more than 35 years—and they've been huge role models in my life as well.
I was encouraged from a young age to participate in sports. I watched both my sisters play volleyball and soccer. Faith was also a huge part of my upbringing. I grew up in a Christian household, going to church every Sunday and youth programs in the evening. That shaped a lot of who I am today.
Alan Babbitt [00:02:14]
The Portage area is known for athletics. Tell me about when you got to high school and how you found that running was the sport that really captivated your heart.
Tim Peterson [00:02:24]
I'd say I fell in love with running back in late elementary school. I had played baseball for most of my childhood and even did travel baseball for a while, but I fell out of love with it. I remember my dad saying, "If you're not going to play baseball, you've got to pick something, because I know you're athletic."
So, I chose cross country and track. I ran both throughout middle and high school. Once I got to high school, I got even more involved—I joined an indoor track club team and really started developing a passion for running.
Being from Portage, we hosted the Portage Invitational every year. It's massive—thousands of people come from all over, and it's amazing that my hometown hosts such a big race. It's fun to race in it, watch it, and just experience the energy of the day.
As part of the Portage Northern team, we also helped with setup and cleanup alongside Portage Central. We were basically free labor—picking up cones, putting down flags—but it made me appreciate the event even more. That experience really helped me fall in love with running.
Alan Babbitt [00:04:29]
What did you find about running in particular that grabbed you?
Tim Peterson [00:04:37]
That's hard to put into one short answer. First, it's a very gratifying sport—you see the fruits of your labor the more you put in. It requires consistency and showing up every day, whether it's an easy run or a tough workout.
The second big thing is the people. My teammates make the sport what it is. The guys I run with at Hope are like brothers. We don't just see each other at practice—we hang out outside of it too. Cross country has become more than just a sport for me; it's a part of my life and a community.
It's also given me an avenue to give glory to God. When I hit a personal best or our team celebrates a big win, I see that as an opportunity to thank Him for the ability to do what I love.
Alan Babbitt [00:06:39]
With your family foundation and your time in Portage, I imagine you had a lot of options for college. Take me through your recruiting process and how you ended up at Hope.
Tim Peterson [00:06:56]
My recruiting started around my junior year of high school. I talked with coaches from around the Midwest—some from Ohio and a few in Michigan. Hope stood out to me right away because of the people I met on visits and the proximity to home and Lake Michigan.
I first spoke with Coach Brian Van Zanten at one of my meets—maybe at regionals or the Portage Invite. He not only reached out to me but also talked to my parents. He cared about me as a person, not just an athlete.
Later, I met with Coach Mark Northuis, who's now a familiar face and a great mentor. Our conversation focused on how I could continue chasing my goals as part of his program. It felt personal, not transactional.
When I visited Hope, I loved the campus and how friendly everyone was. I could see myself fitting in here. Hope felt welcoming and engaging, not overly formal or businesslike.
Academics were also a big factor—I wanted to be challenged. And athletically, I wanted a program that would push me to grow and compete nationally. Hope offered both.
Alan Babbitt [00:11:29]
Did you know when you came here that nursing was what you wanted to pursue, or did that develop later?
Tim Peterson [00:11:39]
I knew I wanted to go into medicine but wasn't sure what area at first. By senior year of high school, I decided on nursing. My goal is to become a nurse anesthetist eventually, so nursing school is the first step.
My oldest sister is a nurse and has been a huge influence. I've always wanted a career that allows me to serve others, to help people not just physically but emotionally—helping them feel heard and cared for.
Since coming to Hope, that passion has only grown. The nursing faculty, my classmates, and clinical experiences have all confirmed that this is where I'm supposed to be.
Alan Babbitt [00:13:43]
Now that you're in your junior year, you're really getting into the core of the major. How does the nursing department prepare you and others to be nurses?
Tim Peterson [00:13:55]
Hope's nursing program is very hands-on. We have simulation labs with high-tech mannequins that breathe and have heartbeats, so you can practice real-life scenarios. Then we do clinical rotations at local hospitals like Corewell Health and Holland Hospital, applying what we've learned in class to real patients.
The small cohort size—fewer than 50 students—means you get to know your classmates and professors well. Professors are accessible, and you get personalized feedback. It's an incredible learning environment that prepares you not just for the NCLEX boards, but for real nursing work.
Alan Babbitt [00:17:28]
Nursing is demanding, especially with clinicals. Add college athletics on top of that—how do you balance both?
Tim Peterson [00:18:01]
Time management and organization have been huge. I learned those skills during COVID in high school when schedules were unpredictable.
In college, I've learned to be fully present wherever I am. When I'm at practice, I'm 100% focused on running. When I'm studying, I switch off the athletic side of my brain.
Scheduling is also key—knowing practice times, double-run days, lifting sessions—and planning classes and meals around that. Sleep is another big part. My mom always emphasized it when I was younger, and now I'm grateful for that. I notice how much better I perform when I'm rested and fueled.
Balancing it all takes work, but I've found a rhythm that allows me to give my best in both academics and athletics.
Alan Babbitt [00:22:30]
Running takes physical and mental stamina—something nurses also need. How do you think being an athlete is preparing you for your future career?
Tim Peterson [00:22:47]
Cross country has taught me mental toughness and endurance. When I'm tired or things get difficult, I've learned how to push through. That will carry over into nursing, where long, demanding shifts require both mental and physical stamina.
Running has also trained me to stay focused and calm under pressure—skills that will be essential when caring for patients someday.
Alan Babbitt [00:25:44]
Beyond running and academics, what other parts of campus life have been impactful for you?
Tim Peterson [00:26:13]
I'm a resident assistant and a tour guide for Admissions. Both roles let me pour into others.
As an RA in Cook Hall, I live with a lot of my teammates and get to encourage and support them daily. As a tour guide, I get to share my experience with prospective students—especially those interested in athletics or nursing.
Both jobs have connected me to more people across campus and helped me grow as a leader.
Alan Babbitt [00:28:41]
You also went on a SEED trip to Costa Rica this summer. What prompted you to go, and how did that experience impact you?
Tim Peterson [00:28:58]
The SEED trip was incredible—truly life-changing. I was encouraged to go by older teammates who'd been on previous trips.
We went to Costa Rica with student-athletes from several teams and Coach Peter Stuursma as one of our leaders. We spent the week doing Bible studies, playing sports with kids, and distributing Sawyer water filters to provide clean water for families.
As a Spanish minor, I also got to use my language skills daily, which made the experience even more meaningful. The combination of faith, sport, and service was powerful.
Alan Babbitt [00:34:42]
Finally, if you were talking to a prospective student-athlete considering Hope, what advice would you give them?
Tim Peterson [00:35:22]
I'd tell them that Hope is a place where you can grow wholly—academically, athletically, and spiritually. The people here genuinely care about you as a person. You'll be challenged, supported, and known.
If you're looking for a place that will help you become the best version of yourself, Hope is it.
