The Wayne State College cross country teams, both men and women, are focused on their goal for placing in the top 10 at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate meet.

Coach Marlon Brink is the longest standing coach in athletics to date at Wayne State College.

“I started coaching here in 2000 and I’m going into my 19th season. I’m the head coach for the cross country teams and track and field teams.” Brink said.

Brink said last year was a great year for both men and women’s teams in cross country.

“Last season the men’s team placed 10th in the NSIC and women placed 13th. There is some great talent on this team and I believe if we work hard enough, we can reach our goal of placing both teams in the top 10. There are 16 teams that compete total in the NSIC,” Brink said.

Brink said students benefit at lot by being on the cross country and track and field teams.

“The athletes are taught time management very early in their college careers. When it comes to practices and keeping their GPA up they need to be able to manage their time well and excel academically.” Brink said.

The emphasis on keeping a healthy lifestyle after college is also something Brink finds very important.

“Student’s involved in cross country and track and field are usually able to maintain healthy living the rest of their lives because all they need for running is a good pair of running shoes,” Brink said.

The cross country teams are looking forward to hosting their own meet during homecoming week.

“On Saturday, September 29th, We are hosting a cross country meet here on campus. The women’s run starts at 9:30 a.m. and the men’s start at 10:15 a.m. Cross country meets happen about every other week and we are very fortunate that we are able to host one here at Wayne State College,” Brink said.