MAY 29 — Yoder Announces 2009-2010 Recruiting Class

Five Set To Join Maple Leafs Cross Country In The Fall

GOSHEN, Ind. – Goshen College Head Cross Country Coach Doug Yoder recently announced his 2009-2010 women's recruiting class. With graduating seniors Laura Harnish, Tessa Horst, and Rachel Versluis moving on from the program, the five new signings will be asked to immediately step in and contribute to the Maple Leaf program.

Karla Folker
Goshen HS (Goshen, Ind.)

Local standout Karla Folker will continue her academic and athletic career at Goshen College as a member of the cross country and track teams. A team captain as a senior, Folker helped the Redskins qualify for the state championships in her junior season.

“Karla has lots of potential to contribute to the GC cross country team in a big way right away,” Yoder said. “She is a great leader and will lead by example as well as a great positive attitude. She is an excellent student and I am very excited about having a local athlete be a part of our program.”

The daughter of Tony and Susie Folker, Karla is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.

Mara Weaver
Normal Community HS (Normal, Ill.)

The daughter of Goshen College graduates Barry (’76) and Marge (’77) Weaver, Mara competed in four years of cross country and two varsity seasons of soccer at Normal Community High School in Illinois.

“Mara is a great student and brings lots of experience to the cross country team,” Yoder explained. “She has a great attitude and will be a great contributor to the GC cross country program.”

A two-year captain of the cross country team, Weaver was named to the Big 12 Conference Scholar-Athlete team three times and received the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award twice. Off the course, Weaver is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, and Illinois State Scholar Program. She will study Spanish at Goshen College.

Hannah Bartel
Iowa Mennonite HS (Iowa City, Iowa)

An outstanding all-around student-athlete, Hannah Bartel will run for the Maple Leafs in 2009-10. Bartel ran for Coach Marty Gingerich at Iowa Mennonite High School, while also competing in track and volleyball.

“Hannah brings great potential to the GC cross country,” Yoder explains. “I feel she is still improving and with the experience of competing at the collegiate level will develop into a solid runner for our program. Hannah brings enthusiasm and dedication to the team.”

The daughter of Lonnie and Julie Bartel, Hannah was named to the Academic All Conference teams in both cross country and track. She was also part of the yearbook staff, concert choir, chamber singers, drama/musical club and is a member of the National Honor Society. She will major in communications and/or music at Goshen College.

Alita Yoder
Bethany Christian HS (Elkhart, Ind.)

An all-around athlete, Alita Yoder ran cross country in addition to playing soccer and running track at local Bethany Christian High School. She will now go on to run for Coach Yoder as a member of the Maple Leafs.

“Alita has less experience than any of the incoming first years that have signed,” Yoder said. “She has had great coaching from Ken Willems at Bethany and is still developing as a runner. Her best races are yet to come and she will be a contributor to the GC program.”

The daughter of Kevin and Sharon Yoder, Alita has been involved with after-school mentoring programs with middle school students and is involved as a worship leader at her church.

Lydia Alderfer
Souderton Area HS (Harleysville, Pa.)

The daughter of Dewight and Beverly Alderfer, Lydia has signed a national letter of intent to run cross country at Goshen College. A 2009 graduate of Souderton Area High School, Alderfer ran for coach Jim O’Neill.

“Lydia will be a great addition to the cross country program from an academic and athletic standpoint,” Yoder said. “I will be counting on her to add depth to our team as we develop throughout the upcoming season. She has a great attitude and a genuine desire to be part of the team.”

Alderfer will major in collegiate studies at Goshen. Her other activities include horseback riding, skiing, knitting, running, and photography.