LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- Parker Mindel is the type of person who isn't just willing to put in effort to the things he cares about, he's eager to put in the effort. 

A graduating senior from duPont Manual High School in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, Mindel has led a small group of middle school-aged boys at his church for three years and serves as a leader at Christ In Youth conferences and retreats. He's taken nine AP courses during high school and even made the time to travel out to La Mirada for a visit to Biola's campus two Decembers ago. 

That demonstration of his character, combined with his work during the cross country and track seasons has earned Mindel a spot on Head Coach Sean Henning's roster beginning this coming Fall. Mindel will be the fourth addition to the men's distance group for the Eagles and makes it a total of 14 states from which Biola will welcome new student-athletes in the new academic year. 

Mindel served as the team captain of duPont Manual cross country team this past season and earned KTCCCA Area III Senior Team honors while PR-ing in the 5K with a time of 16:31.40. He is a three-time KTCCCA Academic All State First Team selection and also helped his 4x800m team to a second-place finish at the state meet, coming in with a time of 8:07.76.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Mindel from continuing his senior season for track with the Rams. But his optimism peaks when he talks about his coming to Biola to continue his studies  and running:

"I love everything about Biola's heartbeat and mission, it's simply my dream school," said Mindel "Especially after losing this track season due to COVID-19, I am excited to run for Biola because I don't think I'm even close to my limits as an athlete."

Mindel intends to develop his gifts as a small group leader by majoring in the newly reformatted Bible, Theology and Ministry major at Biola and hopes to grow into a pastor who loves and serves people as Jesus did. 

He'll also join a Biola men's cross country team that has won back-to-back PacWest Conference Championship and hopes to make it back-to-back NCAA National appearances with another great season this coming Fall. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join him at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.