Calvin University Cross Country

Calvin University

Calvin is a world-class Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here, you will discover a bold, transformative education that’s grounded in Christian conviction. Be inspired by innovation, leadership, and artistic expression. Be challenged to respond to the world’s needs. Since 1876, Calvin has lived into Christ’s promise to make all things new—find your place in this transformative community today.

The Knights

The Knights compete as members of the NCAA DIII. With 11 National Titles and over 100 top 10 finishes, the Knights aim to compete at the highest level of DIII. Additionally, Calvin’s student-athletes have received CoSIDA Academic All-American honors 125 times—the most for any school of our size.

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics award the Learfield Director's Cup each year to the top athletics program in the country. Calvin is one of only six schools in DIII athletics to be included as a Top 30 program in the Learfield standings every year dating back to 1996.

A History of Excellence

  • 6 Cross Country National Championships (4 men, 2 women)
  • 26 NCAA Individual/Relay Champions
  • 33 Top 4 Finishes
  • 41 Regional Championships
  • 152 MIAA Championships
  • 400+ All-Americans

Facilities

On-Campus Cross Country Course

Outdoor Track & Field Complex

Huizinga Track & Tennis Center

Venema Aquatic Center

Morren Fitness Center

Student-Athlete Weightroom

FAITH. FAMILY. ACADEMICS. ATHLETICS - IN THAT ORDER.

Faith

The belief in a higher power. On this team, you do not have to call yourself a Christian, and often times God lets us go through periods of doubt and questioning. However, you need to have a sense of purpose that is bigger than yourself. Why do you believe what you do? What is your why? Are you spending consistent time evaluating your faith and what you believe? Are you spending time connecting with the Lord (in the Bible and in prayer), and in a Christian community of believers? Do you ask the tough questions, to yourself and to others? God calls us to community, and this is a vital aspect of living in the way God intended.

Family

Your relationships with your family, closest friends and/or mentors make up your support system. When you are having a rough time, who or what do you turn to? Your family knows you, will keep you grounded and give you perspective on the good days, bad days and every day in between. While in college, it’s important to stay in touch with your family. Calvin XC serves as your second family. Our community and culture is the secret sauce, and the dominant ingredient in why we do what we do as a program. Our family focus is more important than our academic and athletic success! Hot take - becoming the best teammate, son or daughter you can be will serve you greater than anything you learn in the classroom or any race you run.

academics

Your college career is a unique time of life where you can dedicate a lot of time to prepare for your career path and vocation. Your education, both inside and outside the classroom, matters a lot and is probably the main reason you’re in college, right? Academics have to be a priority at Calvin for you to be a successful student-athlete. Calvin XC athletes strive to earn above a 3.0 GPA and help their teammates do the same. Note: Academic All-American awards require a 3.3 cumulative or higher. Dean’s List is 3.5.

Grand Rapids

A big small city...200,000 residents call Grand Rapids home, and a little over one million people live in the greater metropolitan area. So Grand Rapids is small enough you can get to know it - and big enough you'll always be finding your new favorite thing.

Access to an abundance of beautiful running trails