Woodridge, IL — A solid Goshen College men’s cross country 2005 regular season is drawing to a close, but the enthusiasm is already building for next year with the recent signings of talented twin brothers set to join a youthful Leafs’ lineup.

Goshen head coach Doug Yoder announced Wednesday that Ben and Nick Bouwman of Woodridge, Ill., have signed letters of intent to join the Leafs’ program in 2006, adding more firepower for years to come. Goshen has placed two sophomores and a freshman in its top three runners throughout the current season, and has the entire roster eligible to return in 2006. The newest Bowmans will join older brother Alex, a junior, who is in the midst of earning his third letter in cross country to go with two so far in track and field.

“We are extremely excited to have Ben and Nick join our program next fall,” Yoder said. “They are two talented runners who are also very successful in the classroom. They will represent Goshen College well both on and off the course.”

Ben and Nick have each won multiple letters in cross country and track and field at Downers Grove South High School. Ben has a best time of 15:23 for three miles in cross country, with Nick notching a 16:21 clocking. On the track, Ben has gone 4:34 in the 1,600-meter run and 9:40 in the 3200-meter race, while Nick has run 4:55 and 10:24. Ben has twice earned all-conference honors in cross country and qualified for the state meet as a junior.

At Saturday’s West Suburban Gold Conference championships, Ben finished second and Nick 10th to lead the Mustangs to a convincing league championship showing. They will start their senior year’s state tournament series with the regional meet Oct. 22.

Though both cited family connections as a significant drawing card to attending Goshen, the brothers each noted other areas as well.

“I met a lot of nice people, and I liked the environment,” Nick said following a campus visit. “I found people who like to worship God and who enjoy friendships and learning.”

Ben listed academic programs, including the college’s study-abroad opportunities among his reasons for choosing Goshen.

“I also like Goshen’s connection to the Mennonite Church, strong running tradition and athletic facilities,” Ben said. “I have relatives in the area, and I know people that go there already.”

It’s not surprising that academic opportunities played high in the brothers’ decisions. Nick ranks in the top four percent and Ben the top six percent of their graduating class of more than 725 students, with each compiling grade point averages above 4.0. Nick anticipates majoring in math education, while Ben is considering options in Bible and religion, peace, justice and conflict studies, physical education or music.

Both are members of the school’s National Honor Society, have been regular members of academic honor rolls and are active at Lombard Mennonite Church.