Photo by Corrine Previte
by: Corrine Previte ’17
News Editor
Starting at the age of six, Gordon College’s new cross country and track and field coach hit the ground running, and he still has not stopped.
Justin Wikerd is joining Gordon athletics with an extensive background in the running community as well as having a strong passion for the sport. He has explored all dimensions of the sport, from competing in college, to coaching, to running Ultra Marathons.
“I find a lot of enjoyment in challenging myself and pushing my body to its limits,” he said.
Wikerd moved from his childhood home in Canada to Indiana, where he attended Goshen College. While there, Wikerd set the school record with the 1,600-meter relay team — both indoor and outdoor. Wikerd moved to Pennsylvania after college, residing there for 14 years with his wife and two children. He coached at Christopher Dock High School in Pennsylvania for eight years; here, his main focus included events between the 400-meter and up, the 4×400, and the 4×800 meter relays.
Although Wikerd is going to miss Christopher Dock, he is excited to be at Gordon.
“I think what I miss the most about coaching at Dock is the sense of community. My family was deeply connected to the athletes and their families. We’re hoping some of those former athletes may find their way to Gordon,” said Wikerd.
Wikerd is excited about the welcoming environment Gordon has to offer. He is looking forward to working with athletes that are willing to be open to change and push themselves to the best of their abilities.
He said, “I chose Gordon because I wanted to coach at a Christian school, and I really like the environment the school has.”
Wikerd hopes to grow the team in size, ability, and eventually, to be at the top of the conference and region.
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