To be one of the best. It's the reason athletes compete at the NCAA Division III level. And at George Fox, athletes get the opportunity to pursue their passion for sports at a nationally ranked Christian college with a storied athletic tradition that includes both individual and team national championships. We're excited about the quality of student-athletes who will join us for the 2017-18 academic year as we pursue our vision of being "the team to beat." In April, we invited them to campus for a Commitment Day to celebrate their decision* and are proud to introduce our newest Bruins to you.
Cross Country and Track & Field
Name: Jack Ammon
High School: Northwest Christian High School (Spokane, Washington)
Sport(s): Cross country
Position(s): Middle distances
Height / Weight: 5-9, 145
High School Highlights:
Placed individually at state in track and cross country nine times and was a four-time Class 2B track state champion, winning the 400 meters his freshman and junior years and the 800 his sophomore and junior years; set the school record as a freshman in the 400, running a time of 49.75 seconds; led team to its first cross country state title in 30 years his freshman year; served as team captain in cross country and track his junior and senior years; PRs are 49.17 in the 400, 1:54 in the 800, 4:24 in the 1,600 and 15:45 in the 5K
Why I chose George Fox:
I wanted a school where I could pursue my faith while having excellent academic and athletic opportunities. I wanted a school where I could be proud to represent their name across my chest.
Name: Richard Beck
High School: Orono High School (Orono, Minnesota)
Sport(s): Cross Country
Height / Weight: 5-6, 135
High School Highlights:
Earned all-conference honors in cross country in 2015 and 2016 and competed at the state meet both years; was a varsity cross country runner from 2012 through 2016 and served as team captain in 2015 and 2016; serving as track and field captain in 2017; has a 5K PR of 16 minutes, 37 seconds; was second in the Wright County Conference West cross country meet as a senior and took 12th in Section 2AA competition
Why I chose George Fox:
I really wanted to participate in the university’s honors program.
Name: Chrislove Brandt
High School: Shorewood High School (Shoreline, Washington)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Sprinter
Height / Weight: 5-0
High School Highlights:
Earned first place at Eason Invitational as a senior and first place in 3A Northwest District 1 championships (Day 2); has posted times of 12.63 seconds in the 100 meters and 26.37 seconds in the 200
Why I chose George Fox:
After visiting George Fox and learning more about the college I knew this was the right place for me. I really like that I can focus on my academics and compete in the sport I love.
Name: Kelsey Bunker
High School: White River High School (Buckley, Washington)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Javelin and hurdles
Height / Weight: 5-5
High School Highlights:
Placed fifth in the district javelin finals in 2016 and eighth in the same event in 2015; named her team’s Field Athlete of the Year in both 2015 and 2016, and was Thrower of the Year in 2016; served as a team captain her senior year, when she threw the javelin 107 feet, 7 inches, ran the 100-meter hurdles in 17.64 seconds, ran the 300 hurdles in 54.49, and recorded a long jump of 14 feet
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose George Fox because of the Christ-centered atmosphere and strong academics it provides. George Fox is truly a place where I know I will be known, be loved, and grow in my walk with the Lord. I chose this school because I believe it will provide me many opportunities to develop a deeper faith, build character, and meet other amazing people who are also on fire for Jesus.
Name: Cody Davis
High School: Central Kitsap High School (Silverdale, Washington)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Pole vault
Height / Weight: 5-4, 145
High School Highlights:
Placed seventh at Mountain Invitational in 2017, fourth in the Narrows League in 2015 and fifth at the Lil’ Norway Invitational in 2014 and 2015; a three-year varsity letterwinner and the team’s top vaulter all three years; overcame a broken leg his junior year to clear 11 feet this season; cleared 11-6 as a sophomore
Why I chose George Fox:
It has a successful track and field team, a distinguished engineering program, and a God-based focus in all its elements.
Name: Helena Ducusin
High School: John F. Kennedy Catholic High School (Federal Way, Washington)
Sport(s): Cross Country
Position(s): Distances
High School Highlights:
Qualified for cross country and track districts three of four years; participated in Junior Olympics Nationals in Florida for track and in New Mexico for cross country, both in 2015; ran varsity cross country and track all four years and served as a team captain for both teams her junior and senior seasons; in cross country she was named freshman MVP and Most Inspirational as sophomore
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose to attend George Fox because it had everything I was looking for in a college: strong academic programs, the opportunity to pursue my love for running, continuous cultivation of my faith life, and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere I can hopefully call home one day.
Name: Lauren Gappa
High School: Mount Si High School (Snoqualmie, Washington)
Sport(s): Track and Field
Position(s): Pole vault and sprints
Height / Weight: 5-8
High School Highlights:
Competed in Kingco League Championships all four years; as a sophomore, competed on the 4x400 team that placed sixth in district championships; as a junior, made it to districts in the 400 meters and pole vault; competed at districts on the 4x400 team as well as the 4x200 team that placed fifth in finals; earned varsity letter all four years; received coach's award for "Most Inspirational" as a sophomore; selected by coaches to be a captain and leader for junior and senior seasons; cleared 10 feet in the pole vault and ran a 62.3-second time in the 400 as a junior
Why I chose George Fox:
The environment at George Fox is tangibly different than other universities from the moment you step on campus. I am drawn to the school by the relationships built while visiting. It is clear that George Fox is a place filled with people who will encourage and challenge me in my faith, academics and athletics!
Name: Caleb Giesbrecht
High School: Central Kitsap High School (Silverdale, Washington)
Sport(s): Track and Field and Cross Country
Height / Weight: 5-6, 130
High School Highlights:
Qualified for state cross country in 2015 was a district qualifier in both 2015 and 2016; qualified for state track and field in 2016 season; served as team captain in cross country in 2016 and was a three-year varsity letter winner in the sport from 2014 to 2016; was a four-year varsity letter winner in track, from 2014 to 2017; ran 1,600 meters in 4 minutes, 32 seconds and the 800 in 2:05 as a junior; ran a 4:29 in the 1,600, a 2:01 in the 800 and a 17:08 5K as a senior.
Why I chose George Fox:
I love how the school feels. Every time that I have been on campus, everyone is so kind and inviting. I also love the size of the school and its location.
Name: Jose Ignacio
High School: Wilsonville High School (Wilsonville, Oregon)
Sport(s): Football and track and field
Position(s): Defensive end (football); javelin
Height / Weight: 6-2, 190
High School Highlights:
Named his team's Most Inspirational Player his senior season
Why I chose George Fox:
George Fox is such a great school where I believe I will grow spiritually and as an athlete. Also, I believe that the environment at George Fox is amazing, and I look forward to being a part of that great community.
Name: Timothy Kaelin
High School: Winston Churchill High School (Eugene, Oregon)
Sport(s): Cross Country
Position(s): Distances
Height / Weight: 5-9, 133
High School Highlights:
Earned first-team all-conference honors in 2016 in cross country (Class 5A Midwestern League) and was a first-team all-conference runner in track and field in both 2014 and 2015; served as cross country captain his junior and senior years and was named his team’s Most Inspirational athlete in 2015 and its most valuable in 2015 and 2016; ran a personal-best of 15:59 (5K) in cross country as a senior, when he finished in the top ten of every regular-season race; finished seventh at varsity cross country district meet to earn a state qualification as a senior
Why I chose George Fox:
I believe in George Fox's Christ-centered community, outstanding academics, and strong athletic tradition. I love the campus, and the students are friendly and outgoing. Oh, and the cafeteria is great, too!
Name: Tyson Leaks
High School: River City High School (Sacramento, California)
Sport(s): Football and track and field
Position(s): Linebacker and halfback (football)
Height / Weight: 6-0, 220
High School Highlights:
Named an honorable mention linebacker (Sac-Joaquin Section) his senior year, as well as MVP of his team’s rugby team
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose Fox because when I first visited I fell in love with the campus and I have heard that they have the best nursing programs in the U.S. And every person there is so nice and actually looks happy instead of everyone in California looking miserable every day.
Name: Tahnisha Manibusan
High School: South Albany High School (Albany, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Discus thrower
Height / Weight: 5-8
High School Highlights:
Was a varsity district champion (Class 5A Mid-Willamette League) as a junior and took eighth at the state meet that same year; has placed first in all league meets this season; serving as a team captain for throwers her senior season
Why I chose George Fox:
I love the positive yet competitive atmosphere that George Fox has and the amazing people who are a part of the university.
Name: Megan Miller
High School: Pleasant Hill High School (Pleasant Hill, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Sprints
Height / Weight: 5-3
High School Highlights:
Named the Class 3A Mountain Valley League’s Girls Track Athlete of the Year in both 2015 and 2016; named her team’s Most Valuable Girls Track Athlete of the Year in 2014 and 2015; as a junior in 2016, she took first place in both the 100 and 200 meters at the Class 3A state championships, setting a 3A state-meet record in the 100 (12.38 seconds) in the process
Why I chose George Fox:
It felt like home from the very first visit! I was looking for a smaller Christian university known for its strong academics. After meeting the coaching staff and a few of the athletes, I was convinced that George Fox was the right fit for me.
Name: Matthew Raines
High School: Central High School (Monmouth, Oregon)
Sport(s): Cross Country
Position(s): Distances
Height / Weight: 6-0, 140
High School Highlights:
Earned honorable mention all-conference honors (Class 5A Mid-Willamette League) his senior season, when, as a first-year cross country runner, he ran a 5K in 17 minutes 14 seconds; also recorded track times of 9:28 in the 3,000 meters and 4:24 in the 1,500
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose George Fox because the first time I toured the campus and met the coaches and professors I knew this is where I belong.
Name: Camden Roberts
High School: Life Christian Academy (Tacoma, Washington)
Sport(s): Cross Country
Position(s): Middle distances
Height / Weight: 5-10, 135
High School Highlights:
In cross country, qualified for state in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons, earning Tacoma Athlete of the Year honors the latter two years; earned second-team all-league honors (Class 2B Pacific League) in 2014; as track athlete, qualified for state in 1,600 meters in 2015 and 2016, earning Tacoma Athlete of the Year honors in 2016; served as team captain in 2016 and is again this spring; named MVP for both boys team and overall in 2016; has posted times of 26.03 seconds in the 200, 53.99 in the 400, and 2:05.66 in the 800
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose George Fox for having my desired major, the kindness and understanding of its faculty, and because my sister attends George Fox and has enjoyed her experience.
Name: Brock Rogers
High School: Baker Early College (Silverton, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Hurdles and sprints
Height / Weight: 5-10, 160
High School Highlights:
In 2016, won Class 5A Mid-Willamette Conference titles in the 100 meters and 110 hurdles while placing second in the 300 hurdles; placed second at 5A state meet in 110 hurdles, took seventh in state in 300 hurdles and was 14th in state in 100; has recorded times of 11.29 seconds in the 100, 14.84 in the 110 hurdles and 40.23 in the 300 hurdles; also won 110 hurdles conference title in 2015 and was member of 4X100 relay team that won a league title that year
Why I chose George Fox:
I have heard many good things about George Fox from friends in the past who have gone here. I am really excited about the school’s nursing program and that I have the opportunity to run track. Also, the fact that the foundation of George Fox is Christian based makes this school a perfect spot for me.
Name: Zachery Stetzel
High School: Horizon Christian High School (Wilsonville, Oregon)
Sport(s): Cross country
Height / Weight: 5-11
High School Highlights:
Earned first-team all-league honors (Class 3A District 2) in 2015 and served as team captain in 2015 and 2016; was runner-up at the district championship meet his senior year
Why I chose George Fox:
George Fox feels like home. I have the incredible opportunity to compete in college athletics, learn from exceptional professors, and attend a school that puts Christ first.
Name: Kennedy Taube
High School: Hillsboro High School (Hillsboro, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and Field
Position(s): Sprints
Height / Weight: 5-7
High School Highlights:
Starred in both soccer and track in high school, serving as a team captain and finishing as top scorer for her soccer team as a junior; in track last year, she served as team captain and won league titles in the 100 and 200 meters, helped her 4X100 team get second and her 4X400 squad place fifth; at the Class 5A state meet, she finished second in the 100, third in the 200 and eighth in the 4X100; she was also the high female point scorer at the Elden Keller Invitational; as a sophomore, Kennedy was a league champion in the 4X100, the 200 meters and 4X400 and went on to help her 4X100 team win a state title
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose George Fox because everyone is accepting and is willing to help you in any way they can. I know I can further my education not only in academics but also my faith in God.
Name: Kinsey Tsuruta
High School: Mililani High School (Mililani, Hawaii)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Middle distances
Height / Weight: 5-3
High School Highlights:
Qualified for state in the 800 meters as a senior, posting a time of 2 minutes, 35.15 seconds; finished 20th in state in 800; also qualified for state in 800 as a junior (2:32.51)
Why I chose George Fox:
George Fox felt like home to me. I felt comfortable as soon as I stepped on campus, and I feel I will be able to succeed in the next four years here.
Name: Sara Turner
High School: Sam Barlow High School (Damascus, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Sprints
Height / Weight: 5-2
High School Highlights:
Earned first-team all-league honors (Class 6A Mt. Hood League) in the 100 and 200 meters in 2015 and 2016; was member of first-team all-league 4X100 relay team in 2015 and 2016; earned Certificate of Accomplishment as member of 4X100 relay team in 2015 and 2016; earned all-state first-team, second-team and honorable mention recognition in 2015; a first-team all-league athlete in the 100, 200 and 4X100 relay in 2014-15; also earned all-state first-team honors in 2014; helped team win district titles in 2014 and 2015 and place first in state in 2015
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose George Fox because I feel that here I am going to be able to grow and learn in my education and self but, more importantly, grow in my relationship with Christ. I also love the George Fox track and field coaches and program and feel it is where I will succeed.
Name: Shaye Vanderville
High School: Thurston High School (Springfield, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Pole vault
Height / Weight: 5-7
High School Highlights:
Placed second at district in both 2015 and 2016 and took fifth in state in 2015; named team’s Most Improved Field competitor in 2015
Why I chose George Fox:
George Fox offers me a place to thrive in academics, athletics, and relationships within a Christian environment. At George Fox, I'll be welcomed as family and brought into a second home.
Name: Cody Webb
High School: Dallas High School (Dallas, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Hurdles and sprints
Height / Weight: 6-1, 159
High School Highlights:
Earned second-team all-conference honors (Class 5A Mid-Willamette League) in the 400 relay in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons; qualified for state in 2015 and 2016; was a scholar-athlete (GPA of 3.5 or higher) in 2014, 2015 and 2016; named his team’s Most Outstanding Male Track Athlete from 2014 through 2016 seasons; served as team captain for track in 2016 and 2017; as a junior, he ran the 100 in 11.6 seconds, the 200 in 23.57, the 110 hurdles in 15.92, the 300 hurdles in 42.61 and the 400 relay in 43.96
Why I chose George Fox:
I feel like it is the best fit for me and also because I can still do the things I like.
Name: Jenifer Webb
High School: Dallas High School (Dallas, Oregon)
Sport(s): Track and field
Position(s): Sprinter and hurdler
Height / Weight: 5-5
High School Highlights:
Was a second-team all-league (Class 5A Mid-Willamette Conference) runner in the 100-meter hurdles in the 2016 season and went on to place fifth in the event at the state 5A meet that spring; earned Scholar-Athlete recognition (GPA of 3.5 or higher) in 2015 and 2016 and was named team’s most improved girl athlete both years; served as a team captain in 2017; as a junior, set PRs of 13.47 seconds in the 100 meters and 16.19 in the 100 hurdles
Why I chose George Fox:
I chose George Fox because I love the small campus and class sizes and every time I visit it feels like home.
* Student-athletes listed above have accepted George Fox University's written offer of admission and/or financial aid. George Fox University is a member of the NCAA Div. III.
