The Tradition of Bryan Cross Country

Cross Country/Track + Athletics

As Bryan College begins its cross country future, the school and the program look to bring back the great desire and dedication its teams once displayed. Every few weeks, we'll look to remember certain teams, athletes, and coaches. Not only will we recall what they accomplished in running, but what went on outside of those great training runs through Dayton.

We would like to recognize the athletes and see what each of them are doing today. If you have information on an alum that you would like recognized, please feel free to contact me at rodney.stoker@bryan.edu. With the help of former runners and athletes of Bryan, our program is back and looking to be stronger than ever. Thanks for your support and your prayers.

 

We would like to first recognize the 1975 NCCAA National Championship Cross Country Team. Under coach Jake Matthes, the Lions took advantage of a difficult course, something that was familiar when running Bryan's home course, and ran a smart and gutsy race. On November 8, 1975, in Winona Lake, Ind., Bryan outran the favorite Eastern Mennonite, as well as top teams Cedarville and Geneva.

The five scorers that day were Tom Potter, Mike Wood, Eric Clarke, Tommy Lane, and Chris Hatten. Coach Matthes told the boys before the race that he believed they had a chance, and they took every opportunity afforded them. It all came together on that one day, but it was the months and months of long hard miles that produced a National Championship.

Bryan College Cross Country isn't exactly starting from scratch as some would have you believe. We have our alums to thank for tradition and for the expectations in the coming years. With much patience and persistance, with much prayer and planning, Bryan will look to bring back that vision of its runners, coaches, and school. HPIM0247.jpg

The members of the 1975 Championship Team

Coach Jake Matthes, Tom Potter, Mike Wood, Erick Clarke, Tommy Lane, Chris Hatten, Tom Hatten, Wayne Scott, Kevin Davey, David Maynard, Bob Grosser, Mark Whitlock, David Moniz and Garry Barnhart