Master’s University Track

Just north of Los Angeles, at a university with a student population of 1,200, something beyond incredible is happening. Without having the famous million-dollar budgets that Division 1 programs have, this small institution has become a literal POWERHOUSE of Cross Country and Track/Field. It’s crazy to think that not a lot of people are talking about how good this program is. While many large universities struggle to build a complete team, this university has put together one of the most balanced, talented, and fastest-growing programs in the country.

Starting off, the men’s cross country team has won 15 consecutive conference championships, a streak that demonstrates their continued dominance. What truly sets them apart is not just the titles, but the spiritual culture that drives them. Their focus is not on self-promotion, but on glorifying God in everything they do, including every workout, competition, and victory.

This focus has attracted Division 1 athletes, such as Jude DeVries who left Cal Poly and is currently close to breaking the 14-minute barrier in the 5,000 meters—an elite standard globally. There’s also Hunter Angrove, who came from the University of Oregon and is already a national champion in the pole vault. Not to mention Hunter Romine who transferred from West Point, a dream school for so many people to join an elite team and has already won an All-American title. Joining them is Nate Day, who is just a half-second from running the 1,500 meters in 3:49, which equals to a 4:05 mile—one of the best times in the NAIA so far this season.

It’s not just the men’s team that shines. The women’s cross country team has made history by winning the NAIA national championship, led by a phenomenal trio of Hannah Fredericks, Emma Nelson, and Ellen Palmgren. At the national championship, their times not only dominated the NAIA but could easily compete on top Division 1 teams. Fredericks finished second in the country, and both Nelson and Palmgren placed in the top 10, cementing this team as one of the best in the country.

Finally, the future is even brighter. By August, this program is projected to have the best cross-country team in the nation, thanks to the arrival of Brogan Collins, currently ranked the 15th-best high school runner in the United States. Despite having offers from the best Division 1 colleges, Brogan chose this program because of its culture of purpose, community, and focus on faith.

No one should be surprised if The Master’s University ends up being one of the best programs in the world for years to come. When you run with conviction, there are no limits.