Bethel College Cross Country

Bethel fielded a cross-country team for the first time since 2004, under the coaching of Gerry Sieber with assistance from Gary Histand, assistant professor of chemistry. The Thresher women claimed eighth place at the NAIA Region IV Championships Nov. 3 in Omaha, Neb. Two of the runners finished in the top 20: Annette Gingerich, freshman from Parnell, Iowa (17th), and Natasha Esau, sophomore from Hutchinson (19th). “The women finished eighth out of 14 teams, which is very good for a first-year program,” Sieber said.

“That says something about how well the kids ran and the improvement they showed this season.” Both men’s and women’s teams competed in eight meets throughout the fall. With three top 10 finishes, including a 1st at the Ottawa University Invitational, Esau led the women. Also at Ottawa, the women placed four other runners in the top 10 and took the meet title. The men placed at least two in each meet including a 2nd-place finish by Ben Moore, freshman from Green, at the Ottawa University Invitational. The team loses one senior, Aaron Voth, Hesston.