Greenville, SC - The NCCAA is pleased to announce Patrick De Ronde of Spurgeon College as the 2024 Elvin and Joyce King Award Recipient for Division II Men’s Cross Country.
 
A junior from Oskaloosa, Iowa, De Ronde has been a leader for the Spurgeon Knights in the school’s first season of Cross Country. De Ronde currently holds the school record in the 8K, finishing the race in 29:35. He also finished sixth at the Emmaus Super Regional Meet out of 48 total runners from six other NCCAA schools.
 
Away from the course, De Ronde is an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete, holding a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies along with a Master of Divinity. De Ronde is part of the worship team at his church and at Spurgeon College, as well as serving as an intern for his home church during the summer. De Ronde has been on several international mission trips, and his dream is to serve as a full-time missionary in Europe. 
 
“Patrick is a great example of a hard-working young man who loves the Lord,” says Spurgeon College Head Cross Country Coach Abel Spalding. “In all he does, Patrick seeks to glorify the Lord and lift up those around him. He works incredibly hard at everything he does whether that is in athletic pursuits, academic pursuits, or anything else. He leads by example, practices servant leadership, encourages teammates, holds others accountable, and gets people to work together.”

Award Description
Elvin and Joyce King were instrumental in the development and growth of both cross country and track & field within the NCCAA. Elvin served as meet director and National Sport Chair in each sport for many years, while Joyce was the point person administratively for the championship meets. Elvin's teams won nine NCCAA Cross Country National Championships and he was named NCCAA Coach of the Year eight times. Elvin and Joyce served alongside each other for over 40 years at Cedarville and worked tirelessly to make an impact for Christ. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Elvin and Joyce King's legacy of service.