2002 Miracle Yearbook

As Alan Bruder rounds the tree, he picks up speed to make it to the finish line. CU lens crosscountry heCedarville University Men's Cross Country team forged ahead last year with another strong season,building on an exciting 2000 season thatsaw them earn a fifth place finish at the NAIA nationals. Two-time NCCAA All- American Jody Fox led the Jackets along with fellow seniors Justin Gerber,Ken Loescher,Jason Gray,and Dan Plaatje.Juniors Alan Bruder,Josh Mark,and Justin Whitaker made strong contributions as well. With only three freshmen and no sophomores,the team capitalized on itsexperience. Cedarville hosted the 11th Annual Friendship Invitationalin September and placed 4th out of twelve teams. Kenyon and Heidelberg took first and second respectively. TheJackets also placed second and 13th in meets at the beginning ofthe year. In October action,Jody Fox, Josh Mark,and Alan Bruder placed in the top seven to lead the Yellow Jackets to a first place finish at the Wilmington Classic. Additionally, Alan Bruder led the team in points as they placed 15th out of33 schools at All Ohio Championship. Gerber, Fox,Mark,and Whitakerjoined Bruder by earning points for the Jackets. Atthe American Mideast Conference Championships,the Jackets placed second behind powerhouse Malone College. They supported their NAIA ranking of 25th well, as Josh Mark placed 9th in 26:23. On November 10th Cedarville University hosted the NCCAA Championships atJohn Bryan State Park. Led by Jody Fox, the Jackets placed fourth overall with Mark,Gerber,Bruder,and Whitaker scoring as well. Mark qualified at the NAIA national meet,where he represented Cedarville University well by placing 111 out of240 runners. Thinking of the finish line, Andy Hayes pulls ahead of the other runners. Cedarville's crosscountry team gets into position while waiting impatiently for the race to begin. Giving all the strength he has, Justin Whitaker pushes to the end at full speed. Athletics 41