Grand Rapids, Mich. -- The Raiders Men's and Women's Cross Country teams were recognized with their achievements thus far by hosting a send off for both teams at their last practice. The men's and women's teams are headed to Fort Dodge, Iowa to compete in the NJCAA DII National Championships hosted by Iowa Central Community College on Saturday, November 14. Women will race at 3:30 PM EST and the men to follow around 4:15 PM EST. 

The Raiders men's and women's teams have consistently placed in the national rankings this year. In the final poll of the season, the men's team was ranked 8th while the women's team was ranked 4th. 
 
On the men's side, Joshua Kipkoech has had an outstanding Freshman season. Kipkoech has won every race amongst NJCAA runners. He was named NJCAA runner of the week after running 24:39.56, winning by 1:28.36.  On the women's side, either Sophomore Kiah Becker or Freshman Audrey Meyering won every race amongst NJCAA runners.

Because of the success of both cross country teams at the MCCAA/Region XII Championships on October 31, multiple Raiders were awarded with All-Conference and All-Region honors. The top nine runners in the MCCAA were named All-Conference while the top 17 runners in Region XII were named All-Region.

For the women, medalist Audrey Meyering, Kiah Becker and freshman Elizabeth Meyering all earned All-Conference and All-Region. Sophomore Carolanne Merlington, freshman Kate De Leeuw and sophomore Allison Hoop all made the All-Region team.  Audrey who was named MCCAA Freshman of the Year, along with her sister Liz were named to the six runner All-Freshman Team.

As for the men, medalist Josh Kipkoech and freshman Lance Jourdan each took home All-Conference and All-Region medals.  Freshman Gabe Sanchez and sophomore Noah Peterson each earned All-Regon honors.  Kipkoech who was named MCCAA Freshman of the Year, along with Jourdan were named to the six runner All-Freshman Team.

Head Coach Matt Silicia was named the Women and Men's Region and MCCAA Coach of the Year.

For a quick preview of this years National Championship click here.

For all the up to date results of Nationals click here.  They should have live splits (and team scores) for each mile. 

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.