2007 Miracle Yearbook

r f you don't enjoy running,it might be hard to understand why anyone would enjoy a sport that sometimes requires 8,000 meters of running at its matches, but a love for running and an even greater passion for the Lord is what brought this year's cross country team together. "We're a very close team,"senior Bryan Pittman said."We've all got something in common:we're all crazy enough to run:' Beginning the year ranked 12th in the NAIA,the Men's Cross Country Team quickly proved themselves as noteworthy competition,placing 3rd in the Southeastern Classic where 25 teams metto race.Cedarville wenton to place 2nd overall atthe AMCChampion- ship meet,where Freshman Daniel Roberts won individual title by 29seconds. Both Roberts and junior Justin Gutierrez earned spots on the All-AMC FirstTeam,while Bryan Pittman and junior Justin Herbert were named Second Team Honorees. Cedarville placed 2nd at the 39th Annual NCCAA Cross Country Championship,with Roberts,Gutierrez,and Pittman on the NCCAA All-American Unit. Pittman and senior Matt Clark were also recognized as NCCAA All-American Scholar Athletes, maintaining a minimum 3.40 GPA. The Yellow Jackets ended the season placed 8th overall in the NAIA. At the final NAIA National Championships, Robertsfinished his rookie season placing 5th individually, earning All-American Scholar Athlete. Theteam came in at 10th place,and Cedarville had 323 points for the highestfinish among American Mideast Conference teams. Matt Clark was also recognized as an NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete. The team attributed its success to their commitment to each other and their commitmentto the Lord. Beginning each run by shouting together as a team,"All ForThe Glory of God,"and ending each meet in prayer,the men's cross country team soughtto do their bestfor God and each other. clam rittrazgA 76; Raid •Freshman Daniel Roberts keeps a strong lead during a competition. n Junior Justin Gutierrez competes at the new Elvin R. King Cross Country Course. Season Results Miami Invitational 2nd of4 Cedarville Invitational 1"of 13 Louisville 14th of36 All-Ohio Intercollegiate 6th of42 Southeastern Classic 3rd of25 AMC/NAIA Region IX Championship 2ndof 15 NCCAA NATIONALS 2nd of22 NAIA Nationals 10th of28 NAIA Final Ranking 8th