WINONA LAKE, Ind. - With the 2025 cross country season just around the corner, Grace College's men's and women's teams are gearing up for another challenging — and potentially historic — fall. Both programs are coming off high-performing campaigns in 2024. Head coach Brian Dewey is optimistic about what lies ahead as the Lancers prepare to take on one of the deepest and most competitive conferences in the NAIA.
Women's Team: Eyes on Another Postseason Run
Grace's women are looking to build on one of their best seasons in program history. A runner-up finish at the Crossroads League Championships and a program-record eighth-place finish at the NAIA National Championships capped off a year to remember.
Coach Dewey called the upcoming season "exciting but challenging," with the bar set high following last year's success.
"If our women can stay healthy," Dewey said, "I believe we have the talent and depth to have an amazing season."
Much of that belief is rooted in a senior-heavy roster led by Esther Kleber, Cassandra Cross, Addi Dewey, Grace Geller, Addison Grady and Morgan Welch — all runners who have experience racing at the national level.
Juniors Tame Sigler and Cece Mitchell also boast NCCAA All-American honors in previous seasons, giving Grace a deep, experienced squad.
Their leadership will be critical, particularly for an incoming class full of potential but still adjusting to the college level. Among those newcomers, freshmen Leah Emch and Faith Spain stand out as immediate contributors. Both come to Grace with multiple state meet appearances and are expected to strengthen an already-deep team.
Pack running — something the Lancers began mastering last year — will be a focal point again this fall. Dewey believes continued growth in that area, paired with a healthy and joyful approach to racing, will help the team reach new heights.
"Our league is going to be tough again this year," Dewey added, "but if we can stay calm and not put pressure on ourselves, I think these women can push for another high finish at nationals."
Men's Team: Chasing a Fifth Straight Trip to Nationals
On the men's side, Grace enters 2025 with clear goals and an understanding of the hurdles ahead.
"This season will be a challenge as we are in the toughest and deepest league for cross country in the NAIA," Dewey said. "To make it back to NAIA Nationals, we are going to need above-average performances from multiple men."
The Lancers return a strong core from last season's fifth-place conference and top-20 NAIA Nationals finish. Leading the way are veterans Cole Johnston and Brady Hunsberger, whose experience and leadership will be vital as Grace looks to stay competitive in a loaded Crossroads League.
Supporting that duo are key upperclassmen like Luis Loera, Luke Nier and Austin Wilson — all of whom will be counted on for consistent contributions.
Dewey is also excited about a talented freshman class, headlined by Hunter Quadlin, Reid Sollars and Jace Bullins. Each played a key role in helping their high school teams achieve postseason success. While Dewey doesn't place expectations on first-year runners, their potential adds valuable depth and upside to the roster.
"We don't put pressure on our freshmen," Dewey said. "What matters most is how they adapt to training and the longer race distance at the college level."
For the men, success this fall will come down to attention to detail — doing "the little things right," as Dewey puts it. That includes nutrition, weight training, mobility and smart recovery.
"If we can stay healthy, enjoy running, and approach races open-handedly, then whatever the outcome is, we will be pleased."
Looking Ahead
As both squads prepare for the season opener at the IWU Twilight Invite on Friday, the message from Coach Dewey is consistent: focus on the process, embrace the challenge and compete with joy.
The women are poised for another run at the top of the conference and beyond, while the men aim to punch their ticket to the NAIA National Championships for the fifth consecutive year.
With experienced leadership, emerging young talent and a culture built on purpose and preparation, Grace Cross Country enters 2025 ready to make another statement.
