FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Hope College head coach Mark Northuis has been named the 2025 MIAA Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year after leading the Flying Dutchmen to a historic championship season.

The honor comes after Hope captured its first MIAA Cross Country Championship title since 1986, a defining moment for both the program and its longtime leader. The Flying Dutchmen dominated the eight-team field with an impressive 22 points—finishing 44 points ahead of the runner-up—to reclaim conference supremacy nearly four decades in the making.

Under Northuis’ guidance, Hope placed six runners in the top eight for First Team All-MIAA honors, including 2025 MIAA Most Valuable Runner Logan Begeman, who posted a personal-best time of 25:04.5. Four additional runners finished between ninth and 16th to secure Second Team All-MIAA recognition, highlighting the program’s remarkable depth and consistency.

A 1982 graduate of Hope, Northuis has guided the cross country programs of his alma mater since 1988, building a legacy defined by excellence, perseverance, and a commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. Reflecting on the award, Northuis credited those around him for the team’s success.

“I truly believe that we have one of the best coaching staff in Division 3," Northuis stated. "It is a testament to their selfless work that helped to bring the team to where it is today. This award honors the whole staff and the daily investments they have made in each person on the team.”