Welcome to Northland College Cross Country! The sport of Cross Country running is one of the most demanding athletic endeavors for a student athlete. Success in this discipline requires physical and mental toughness to move beyond self-imposed limits and reach to new horizons. At Northland College, student athletes are expected to excel in the classroom in addtion to the athletic field. The courage and discipline to be successful on the Cross Country course is the same as that required to succeed in the classroom and in life. The Northland College Cross Country team has high goals and expectations. We believe in hard work, commitment, teamwork, and fun.

The 2007 Northland Men's College Cross Country team will be very young.  With four returning runners and six new comers, the team will be made up of all Sophomores and Freshmen.  This fall will be the third year of a process of building a strong tradition in Cross Country for head coach Dave Beeksma.  Coach Beksma is joined by second year assistant coach Blaise Sopiwnik (a former UMAC Conference Champion) who provides wonderful enthusiasm and expereince for our young team.  The coaching staff has high standards for the athletes and is committed to provide them the tools and support they need to reach their goals in the classroom, on the racecourse, and in life. “We want every student athlete to experience being cared for. Collegiate athletic teams are much like a family and I want our Cross Country family to have annual trips to the Division III national championships. I cannot think of a more rewarding and fun family outing! Every member of a family counts, every member is important no matter what their ability levels are. With hard work and smart training, each member of this team will experience success and the positive rewards that come with accomplishment.”

If you want to grow and develop into a first rate student athlete, Northland College Cross Country is the place for you. NCAA Division III athletics is special. We believe primarily in your academic experience and your success on the racecourse adds to that experience. Northland College Cross Country, where caring and hard work equals success.


LumberJack Cross Country Stats
Conference results:
2001 - 2nd
    Individual Champion:  Blaise Sopiwnik
2002 - 3rd
2003 - 2nd
    Individual Champion:  Blaise Sopiwnik
2004 - 3rd
2005 - 4th
2006 - 4th

All-Conference Awards:
2001 - Blaise Sopiwnik, Justin Streit
2002 - Justin Streit
2004 - Blaise Sopiwnik, Nicholas Brancato
2005 - Ray Wise, Nicholas Brancato
2006 - Shannon Flynn

Academic All-Conference Awards:
2002 - Justin Streit
2004 - Thomas Richner, Ray Wise
2005 - Thomas Richner, Ray Wise
2006 - Alex Johnson, Shannon Flynn
2007 - Max Metz, Allen Dalke, David Lardinois