LA MIRADA --- A new set of recruits have joined the Biola cause. The incoming class for the Biola men's cross country team will add to an impressive roster with the help of a trio of freshmen.

The group is set to join an Eagles squad that is coming off its third PacWest title in program history. The BU squad took first place up in Oakland at the conference championships by the thinnest of margins. Regionals came next as the team placed sixth in the field of 21 teams.

BU will look to improve with the help of the three young talents, who come from across the west region. All three freshmen come from different states, including Washington, Colorado and California.

Head coach Sean Henning is ready to see what the new crew can do, as the team sees its first action of 2023 on Friday in Fullerton. "The future of Biola cross country is bright, and I'm confident this class will do some big things during their time in the program."

Ben Sonneland, Mt. Spokane HS, Mead, WA
Personal Bests: 800m-1:53 1,600m-4:18 3,200m-9:37
Coach Henning: "Ben is a great fit for this program. I remember during his visit, he was amazed to see that you could couple your faith and athletics at a high level. It was exactly what he was looking for. Ben cares deeply about honoring the Lord in his life and building relationships with believers. He is extremely gifted athletically and is a fierce competitor. I'm looking forward to building into him as a young man and athlete."

Grant Leigh, Colorado Springs Christian HS, Colorado Springs, CO
Personal Bests: 1,600m-4:26 3,200m-9:40
Coach Henning: "I really enjoyed the recruiting process with Grant. He comes from a program with a really solid coach and has been prepared well to succeed at the college level. Grant is a diamond in the rough who just needs time, consistency, and the right training program to make a big jump in his running. He is also going to fit in great with guys from a spiritual standpoint, and I'm looking forward to watching him grow as a young man."

Saul Hernandez, Montebello HS, Pico Rivera, CA
Personal Bests: 1,600m-4:48 3,200m-10:41
Coach Henning: "I was very impressed with Saul and his character when I first got to sit down and talk with him. He has a lot of resolve and resilience, and I can tell he wants to push the boundaries of his ability as a runner. He is fairly young in the sport and didn't have a lot of consistent coaching over the years, so I could see him making some big fitness gains in his freshman year and surprising some people. He will also be a great fit spiritually and has a strong love for the Lord."