Cross Country Event Demonstrates Charger Athleticism and the Hillsdale Way

By Genna Hilgenbrink

Runners came far and wide, from all divisions, and all around the state to attend the Hayden Park dedication ceremony and compete on the new and challenging course.

This past Friday’s cross country meet at the new Hayden Park not only showcased Hillsdale’s athletic talent but demonstrated to visitors and competitors alike just what Hillsdale College is about. The event did not start off like your typical meet rather, It began with a dedication ceremony which was run just as anyone would expect from Hillsdale College, formal and dignified. The dedication included the Invocation Speech given by Hillsdale junior, Sophia Carr, the national anthem performed by the Hillsdale College Trumpet Ensemble, The unveiling of the “Spirit Rock”, a landmark addition to the Park, remarks from Dr. Larry Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, blessings given by the college chaplain, closing remarks by the Athletic Director, Don Brubacher, and finally the cutting of the ribbon. As Dr. Arnn spoke about the generous land provided by the Hayden family, he of course, tied in some of the morals of Hillsdale College, more specifically, the idea of working the mind and person to its potential. He compared that to the fact that moments later, these athletes will be stretching their bodies to the limit to complete the 8 and 5K races.  It turned out to be another meaningful speech from Dr. Arnn, nothing new for the students who attend the college.

Hillsdale students and staff are all too familiar with this type of setting, although it was new to the visiting parents, coaches and runners preparing on the outskirts of the tent. Hosting this event gave the college a chance to show visitors what Hillsdale is all about.  After the ceremony, this formal setting quickly migrated to a reception area on the far side of the park; meanwhile the athletic portion of the event was just beginning.

All divisions from the state of Michigan were represented in this meet, from community college to Division I. The event was different from most other because nothing was stopping a runner from passing a competitor of a higher division. The competition started off with the Men’s 8k, and the runners soon realized the unforgiving nature of the course. It was an uphill climb just out of the start, followed by twists, turns, and loops all around the land. Runners raced through wooded areas and out to open grassy paths then back into the woods several times. Spectators mainly stood at the top of the hill and only had to move back and forth a few hundred yards to watch the athletes loop back around and pass them again and again.

The course was shortened for the Women’s 5k, but the spectators still stood at the top of the hill to watch the athletes run by. Hillsdale’s own Amanda Putt lead the pack the whole way through and beat out the competitors from Division II and III to win the race. Next up the men ran the 8k Open while the women ran the 5k Open simultaneously, an interesting combination that saved time and daylight. After the third race was completed, the awards ceremony took place. Amanda approached the platform as her home crowd cheered; she stood smiling and accepted her award. Overall, the event was a success with a charger on the podium and Hillsdale’s reputation as a respectable, moral school upheld.

Photography by Genna Hilgenbrink