LA MIRADA --- Seven fresh faces will hit the Biola campus this fall for the first time, as they join the BU men's cross country and track and field squads. The group specializes in long distance events and will look to make an impact for Sean Henning's teams.

"When I think of our men's recruiting class, a couple of traits come to mind: fit and untapped potential," says head coach Sean Henning. "I think our class is made up of both of those things. We have some young men who are great fits for the school and the mission of Biola, but also have so much untapped potential. The plan is to plug them into this program, not limit what they are capable of, and allow them to train hard and see where their God-given ability takes them. I'm excited to watch them develop their passion for the sport and use it as an opportunity to glorify the Lord and share the love of Christ through their words, effort, and actions."

The BU cross country squad has a history of excellence that the new recruits will vie to continue. The Eagles were back-to-back champions in the PacWest in 2018 and 2019 and most recently took third at the PacWest Championships last year. BU will be returning 11 student-athletes to compile a team of 18 for 2022.

RECRUITS:

Ben White - Graduate Transfer, Whittier College, La Habra Heights, CA
Personal Bests: 5,000m-14:45  10,000m-29:42  XC 8K-24:08

Coach Henning: "Ben is a great fit for this program and Biola. Talk about a workhorse. This young man is absolutely dialed in when it comes to training and racing, and hasn't had a lot of training partners during his college career so far. An All-American at the NCAA DIII level, he will have an immediate impact on this team and should contend for conference, regional, and national honors this fall."

Luke Poarch - Freshman, Northwest Christian HS, Phoenix, AZ
Personal Bests: 1,600m-4:28  3,200m-9:42  XC 5K-16:05

Coach Henning: "Luke is such a great fit for the mission of this school and what we want to do in this program. He comes from a program that won a state title out in Arizona this past fall. He is a very gifted runner and is still growing and developing as an athlete. I think he has a high ceiling and has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of so far. Look for him to have a breakout fall and to be a great spiritual influence on this team!"

Nick Geringer - Freshman, Sonora HS, La Habra, CA
Personal Bests: 800m-1:58  1,600m-4:31  3,200m-10:00  XC 3 miles-16:03

Coach Henning: "Nick has been around Biola for a long time. He knows the mission of the school and is a great fit for us. He is fairly new to running and has had a few injuries that have cut into his training and racing. Once we get some solid mileage under his belt and keep him healthy for a year straight, he will do some big things and make tremendous jumps in his ability. He will be a great teammate and positive influence to those around him."

Zach Wallace - Freshman, Troy HS, Fullerton, CA
Personal Bests: 3,200m-10:20  XC 3 miles-15:54

Coach Henning: "Zach is also very familiar with Biola and knows this school well. He comes from an up and coming program out in Fullerton that won a league title this past year. He still has a ways to go in his development from an aerobic standpoint, so I'm looking forward to building him up over these next few years. He will make tremendous jumps this fall and will add great depth to this team as he continues to figure out this sport and where his ceiling lies!"

Jake Sorani - Freshman, Cascade Christian HS, Medford, OR
Personal Bests: 800m-2:00  1,500m-4:12  3,000m-9:11  XC 5K-15:22

Coach Henning: "I'm so happy Jake decided on Biola. During the recruiting process, it was clear that he cared deeply about finding the right fit for himself. Jake is a state champion who cares about being the best athlete he can be and pushing himself as much as possible, and he wanted to find a program that would provide that. We were able to connect very well, and I think he will have a very good collegiate career. He will be a great teammate and friend, and should add some really solid depth to this team right off the bat."

Aiden Sherer - Freshman, Centennial HS, Circle Pines, MN
Personal Bests: 3,200m-10:25  XC 5K-17:19

Coach Henning: "Aiden is a late addition to this team, but I know he is excited to get the opportunity to be a part of something special and bigger than just himself. Aiden is joining this team for all the right reasons and I know will make massive jumps athletically as well as personally from just being a part of this program. I look forward to helping him be the best version of himself and develop into a really successful collegiate runner."

Elijah Suwyn - Freshman, Wyoming Potter's House, Wyoming, WI
Personal Bests: 1,600m-4:41  3,200m-9:57

Coach Henning: "Elijah was never able to run cross country in high school due to his commitment to soccer, and only has two years of track under his belt. I think he will make massive jumps in his ability this upcoming year! I honestly don't know what to expect, but I'm excited to help him realize his potential as a collegiate athlete. He comes from a family who loves the Lord and he has a heart for serving. He will be a great addition to this program and our depth this fall."