SANTA ANA, Calif. --- Connor Bramel was the MVP of his high school cross country team and now he'll look to make an immediate impact as he joins the blossoming distance program at Biola.

Bramel attended Foothill High School in Tustin, California where he ran three seasons of varsity cross country and three seasons of varsity track & field. Bramel was the impact runner of the year on the varsity team as a sophomore and the team's MVP his senior season.

"I chose Biola because of the atmosphere of the school, how close everyone is to each other and the importance of Christ in athletics and academics. I know I can grow in all aspects of my life," said Bramel. "I'm super excited to be competing at a higher level for Biola, because I know I'll be pushed to get faster every day and I'm excited to grow closer to all the guys and girls on the team as we strive to compete at the highest level we can."

He made honor roll all four years of his high school career and also took AP courses to help him along on his college journey. Bramel plans to major in kinesiology before entering a career as a physical therapist.

This runner loves to stay active, serving as vice president of the ultimate frisbee club at his high school and also enjoying time spent playing spike ball and "tons of other sports."

Bramel is also very active in his church as a part of the student leadership team all throughout high school. He's a counselor for junior high school students in his church and has gone on four short-term missions trips.

Bramel and Biola will go for their second-straight PacWest Conference title this fall when the cross country season begins. More information about other incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.