The Grand Canyon University (GCU) cross-country team is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division I athletic landscape. As a proud member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the team has consistently demonstrated its strength and resilience in the world of collegiate athletics.
Team History and Accomplishments
GCU's cross-country team has a rich history of success, dating back to its inception in 2000. Over the years, the team has won numerous conference championships, including five WAC titles since joining the conference in 2013. In 2018, the men's team won the WAC Championship, while the women's team finished second.
Notable Athletes
GCU has produced several notable athletes who have gone on to achieve great success in their respective careers. One such example is Bernard Keter, a distance runner who won the 2019 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. Keter's impressive performance earned him a spot on the Kenyan national team, where he competed in the 2020 World Athletics Half Marathon Championships.
Coaching Staff
The GCU cross-country team is led by head coach, Sarah Garvy, who has been at the helm since 2013. Garvy, a former collegiate athlete herself, has a wealth of experience in coaching and has led the team to numerous conference championships.
Facilities and Training
GCU's cross-country team has access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the GCU Track and Field Complex. The complex features a 400-meter track, a throwing area, and a multi-purpose field. The team also utilizes the nearby Estrella Mountain Regional Park for training and competition.
Seasonal Highlights
The GCU cross-country team competes in several meets throughout the fall season, including the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational and the Wisconsin Invitational. In 2020, the team finished second at the WAC Championship meet, with the men's team finishing first and the women's team finishing third.
Recruitment and Scholarships
GCU offers scholarships to talented student-athletes who demonstrate academic and athletic excellence. The university's recruitment process involves identifying top performers at the high school and junior college levels, as well as transfers from other NCAA institutions.
Community Involvement
The GCU cross-country team is committed to giving back to the community. In 2019, the team participated in the annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts, where they led a fun run and provided athletic demonstrations.
Championship Wins
GCU's cross-country team has won several conference championships, including:
- 2018 WAC Men's Cross Country Championship
- 2017 WAC Women's Cross Country Championship
- 2016 WAC Men's Cross Country Championship
NCAA Regional Qualifiers
GCU's cross-country team has consistently produced NCAA Regional Qualifiers, including:
- Bernard Keter (2019 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships)
- Alexis Nichols (2018 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships)
- Sarah Nichols (2017 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships)
WAC Athlete of the Week Honors
GCU's cross-country team has received several WAC Athlete of the Week honors, including:
- Bernard Keter (2019)
- Alexis Nichols (2018)
- Sarah Nichols (2017)
What's Next for the Team?
As the GCU cross-country team looks to the future, they will continue to strive for excellence in the NCAA Division I athletic landscape. With a strong coaching staff, talented athletes, and state-of-the-art facilities, the team is poised for success in the years to come.
Gallery of Grand Canyon University Cross Country Team
FAQs
What is the Grand Canyon University cross-country team's conference affiliation?
+The Grand Canyon University cross-country team is a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Who is the head coach of the Grand Canyon University cross-country team?
+Sarah Garvy is the head coach of the Grand Canyon University cross-country team.
What are the facilities like for the Grand Canyon University cross-country team?
+The Grand Canyon University cross-country team has access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the GCU Track and Field Complex and the Estrella Mountain Regional Park.