The days when I was an athlete in college are some of the best memories I have from my young adult life — road trips to new places, working hard as a team, building relationships, preseason camp, running, having fun, and bonding. I still have team gear I was given as an athlete, which I cherish to this day. 

Although a lot of time has gone by since I was a student athlete, as a coach I have found things really have not changed that much. I recently met with each of my runners and asked them what they loved the most about their season and which memories they will cherish going forward. Winning championships and faster finishes are always great. However for most, it was the experiences, trips, times they spent together, and gear received that were at the top of their list.

Since starting the cross country program at Southeastern University in 2012, it has been a goal and expectation of mine to not just give my student-athletes an experience similar to what I had, but to continue to raise the bar. I want every young person I coach to look back on their time at SEU with great memories and know their time here and the people they were involved with helped shape them into the person they have become. 

Meeting that goal and raising that bar takes the help and support of many people. It takes the support of leadership, faculty, and staff here at SEU as well as people like you — family, alumni, businesses, former coaches, and just people who love athletics!

I invite you to partner with us to help continue raising the bar. By giving of your prayers and financial support, you can be an integral part of making great memories for our cross country student athletes. Your gift provides opportunities for young people to see new places, spend quality time with teammates and coaches, and have gear they can some day look back at with a smile! Making these kinds of memories and relationships are foundational for many of these student-athletes to see Jesus. These might seem like small things, but I am living proof that small things can change a person’s life.

Thank you for considering supporting our team. God bless and Go Fire!

Paul Kurtz 
Director of Coaching
SEU Fire Cross Country