The Bruins are excited to announce the hiring of Landon and Katie Bright to head up the new Cross Country Program at Bob Jones University. The Bright's bring a unique perspective both as players and coaches of the sport. Landon Bright currently serves as an assistant coach of Cross Country and Track and Field at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. As an athlete, Bright was an NAIA All-American at Point Loma Nazarene University. He competed in four national championships and was named Most Valuable Cross Country Athlete in 2008 and Most Valuable Track Athlete in 2009.

Katie also competed for four years in Cross Country and Track and Field and was a 4 year NAIA and Golden State Scholar Athlete from 2007-2010. Both are very active in their local church and seek to use sports to mentor student-athletes. 

"Landon and Katie bring a high level of expertise in Cross Country", Bruins' Athletics Director Neal Ring said. "Landon presented a very proactive approach in building this program and included in that was a strong spiritual component that fit exactly with what we stand for in our approach to athletics." 

Landon and Katie not only bring a knowledge and love for the sport, but also a love to use sports to show Christ in their communities. "This is a great opportunity to be able to serve Christ and be a good example for Him as we run," Landon said. "I view running as very spiritual in using our bodies for God. I am thankful that we can share in the ministry of BJU as we start this program." Landon is finishing up his Master of Education degree in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation from Hardin-Simmons University.

The Bruins seek to show Christ through the platform of intercollegiate athletics, and the program is excited to begin competition in the fall. In preparation for the fall season, Coach Bright would like to meet with those interested in participating in Bruins Cross Country on Thursday April 18th, from 7:00-9:00 p.m in room 123 of the Davis Field House. 

All questions about the program can be directed to the Sports Information Director Jonny Gamet.