In its first season back, since 2017, the Manhattan Christian College Cross Country teams are getting the 2021 season off to a great start. Having competed against some tough NAIA runners over the last few weeks has proven some difficulties but has made each runner improve. Over this past weekend at the Tabor College Cottonwood Challenge, Freshman Ian Uphoff qualified for the NCCAA Division II Championship Meet with an 8K time of 32:03.40.

Head coach Mindy Eckert, in her first year as the coach had this to say, “I’m excited and happy for Ian. Competing against some quick NAIA kids can be tough but also challenging and Ian took that head on. He ran his race and stayed focused on what he needed to do. I am very proud of all my runners here at MCC.”

Up next for the Thunder will be the Ozark Christian College Last Chance Meet October 30. Following that will be the National Champion Meet in Joplin, MO November 12.