RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- After completing his undergraduate studies and three years of athletic competition at UCLA, Tyler Janes has a clear sense of what he wants to accomplish next. 

Janes will begin a master's in education and pursue a teaching credential at Biola this fall so he can influence high school students during their formative years as a teacher and coach. And he will look to make an immediate impact on the Eagles' cross country and track & field teams as both programs look to take another step forward in 2020-21.

The transfer distance runner has his most extensive experience in the 1500m run and earned his best accolades at UCLA in that event. But his times in the 800m and cross country distances also figure to translate well to his new sphere of competition.
 
Janes earned a spot in the 1500m final of the 2018 PAC-12 Track & Field Championships and ran that race in 3:48.01. Then he posted two sub-3:47 times the following year and competed in the 1500m at the NCAA DI West Regional. 

That all adds up to a great potential for a Biola men's track and field team that is working for a major jump in scoring at the next PacWest Championships. Janes' time at the West Regional prelims two Mays ago would have earned him an individual championship in the 1500m had he ran at the 2019 PacWest Track & Field Championships and he has beaten Biola's 29-year old record in the 1500m (3:47.79 by Chris Jimenez) in three races over his collegiate career. 

There is also All-PacWest potential in cross country for Janes, considering the multiple times he has run the 8k in under 26 minutes. That is obviously encouraging for a cross country team that is looking to defend back-to-back conference championships and wants to establish itself as a perennial presence in the DII National Championships. And for his part, Janes is also encouraged to join a team that seeks to glorify God through their athletic efforts.

"I chose Biola because of my deep respect for the coaching staff and because the students and staff at Biola put Christ at the center of their lives," Janes said.

Tyler Janes will join his new teammates this August. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join her at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.