The Kellogg Community College cross country and women’s soccer teams both secured top regional titles this fall, setting the stage for national competition in the coming week. The Bruins’ cross country squads will compete at the NJCAA Division III National Championships on Saturday, November 14, in Huntsville, Alabama, with the women ranked fourth and the men fifth in the nation.
The women’s cross country team captured its third consecutive regional championship at the Michigan Community College Athletic Association and NJCAA Region XII meet. Seven KCC runners finished in the top 10 of their division, including sophomore Morgan Lowell, who led the pack by winning the 5K race in 20 minutes, 56 seconds. Lowell, along with freshmen Kendall Wank from Gull Lake and Peyton Rhoades from Pennfield, earned spots on the NJCAA Region XII All-Region Women’s Team.
The men’s team took second place at regionals, with four runners placing in the top 10. Sophomore Jonah Bills from Lakeview secured third place in the 8K race, finishing in 26 minutes, 18 seconds, and made the all-region team.
“We are excited to be going back to nationals,” KCC cross country coach Tom Shaw said. “Not saying it’s an expectation to be at this level, but this has been where we have been at. And, we have recruited hard enough to have the success we have been having.”
Meanwhile, the Bruins women’s soccer team ended their 2026 campaign with a 12-3-1 overall record and an 11-1-1 record in conference play. They won both the MCCAA Western Conference and MCCAA Overall Conference championships for the first time in school history.
KCC’s soccer program earned national recognition as well, ranked 16th in the country. The Bruins swept the conference awards, with Haylie Kenney named Player of the Year, Taylor Havilar Keeper of the Year, Constantine Taylor Freshman of the Year, and Levi Butcher Coach of the Year. Four players made the all-region team: Kenney, Taylor, Kaeli Mason, and Havilar.
Coach Levi Butcher reflected on the team’s progress and challenges this season. “This group faced tremendous adversity throughout the season, yet continued to rise to the challenge and achieve several program firsts,” Butcher said. “Every player made a meaningful impact, both on and off the field, and it was rewarding to see this team grow stronger and more united as the season progressed. We had outstanding sophomore leadership, selfless teammates willing to do whatever was needed for the team, and individuals who stepped up in big moments.”
Butcher added that the team embraced a shared goal, which helped them overcome obstacles during the season. “While our season has come to an end, I couldn’t be prouder of what this team accomplished, the challenges they overcame, and the growth they demonstrated along the way.”
The volleyball team also reached the Region XII tournament for the fourth consecutive season. Though the Bruins were eliminated from postseason play after a 3-0 loss to Grand Rapids Community College on November 6, the roster’s composition of mostly freshmen and one sophomore offers optimism for future seasons.
“While this wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, I’m proud of the effort our team showed throughout the postseason,” KCC volleyball coach Judy Mason said. “This group continued to grow, compete and overcome challenges throughout the season. We made great strides as a program, and I’m grateful for the commitment and contributions of every player. Although our season has come to an end, we have a lot to be proud of and a strong foundation to build on moving forward.”
The Bruins’ cross country and women’s soccer teams will look to translate their regional success into strong performances at their upcoming national meets.
According to Yahoo Sports.
