A successful 2011 season brought about the first steps in rebuilding the North Park University cross country program.  The fall was one of growth, personal bests, and laying the foundation for current and future Viking runners.  First-year Coach Steve Imig was charged with the task of restarting the program upon his hire in late August.  The program grew to fifteen team members and competed with full squads at numerous meets throughout the fall – something that had not taken place since the 2009 season.

With a focus on finding individuals who love to run and building a culture of dedicated, team-oriented individuals, the program has already made large strides as it looks ahead to track and next cross country season. 

Kaleb Nyquist (McMinnville, OR / McMinnville HS) and Jamie Kriticos (Lincolnwood / Niles West HS) led the way all year for the men's team while Laura Sorg (Goshen, IN / Goshen HS) and Liz Berntsen (Stavanger, Norway) were the top Viking runners on the women's side. 

Imig is incredibly optimistic about the future of North Park cross country and track & field. 

“The team members improved a great deal in a very short time period this fall and have helped to set the tone towards what I believe will be an extremely bright future for our cross country and track & field program.”