NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Trine University men's and women's cross country programs were both listed in the Regional Rankings by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) heading into the 2021 season.
The men's team was ranked eighth in the Great Lakes region, while the Trine women enter the season third in the region. Both teams are ranked second out of Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) teams, with the men behind Calvin and the women trailing just Hope College.
Despite only taking part in three team competitions in 2020, there are several scoring members returning to race in 2021 for the Thunder: Seniors Noah Acker [Kendallville, Ind. / East Noble], Seth Knepper [Auburn, Ind. / DeKalb] and Quinten Prieur [Constantine, Mich. / Constantine] as well as junior Jacob Myers [Kokomo, Ind. / Northwestern].
On the women's side, Evie Bultemeyer [Fort Wayne, Ind. / Homestead] is back in uniform and looking to become a four-time All-Region selection as well as win her second Great Lakes Regional Athlete of the Year award and All-American for her cross country career. Additionally, senior Chloe Brittain [Wheeler, Mich. / Breckenridge], juniors Amira Faulkner [Bellbrook, Ohio / Bellbrook] and Alli Smith [Temperance, Mich. / Bedford Senior] and sophomore Carol Haldeman [Syracuse, Ind. / Fairfield] are scorers for the Trine women returning in 2021.
Trine Cross Country competes in their first meet on Wednesday, September 1 as the athletes travel to Manchester University for the Manchester Hokum Karem, starting at 5:45.
2021 NCAA DIII Men's Cross Country Regional Rankings – Preseason
2021 NCAA DIII Women's Cross Country Regional Rankings – Preseason