Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is pleased to announce Theo Thurber of Trinity Bible College (TBC) as the 2025 Elvin and Joyce King Award Recipient for Division II Men’s Cross Country.
 
A runner for his hometown Lions from Ellendale, North Dakota, Thurber was a 2024 NCCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country All-American, finishing ninth at the event in the 8K. He also won the Midwest/North Super Regional Meet earlier this season by over 16 seconds, winning the men’s individual championship with a time of 27:58.4. Thurber is a two-time NCCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Week Award winner, and was the Trinity Bible College Runner of the Year, Male Breakout Athlete of the Year, and the Best Male Individual Season Award winner in 2024.
 
Away from the course, the junior holds a 3.98 GPA in Bible/Pastoral Ministry, earning Trinity Bible College Honor Roll honors every semester since Fall 2023. Thurber is currently Student Activities Director with the TBC Student Government and helps emcee Chapel each week. He also helps at the local nursing home and serves at his church on Sundays as a bassist for the worship team. Additionally, he assists with Wednesday evening children’s outreach and with food pantry distribution. 

Thurber had a unique path to college athletics, as he did not compete for the Lions his freshman year. Instead, Thurber dedicated his time to missions at home and abroad, serving in the United States on the Pine Ridge Reservation and across several states, while spending his second semester in India, Turkey, and Greece. He also spent this past summer as a pastoral intern in Paynesville, Minnesota, and plans to study in Israel in the Spring.
 
Trinity Bible College Head Cross Country Coach Karen Thurber said, “Theo exemplifies the type of athlete the NCCAA wants to represent. He is strongly committed to Christ, to ministry, and to the sport of Cross Country. He pursues excellence in all things while leaning on God's help. Those who spend time with him are quick to notice his ability to lead others closer to Christ. He is continually seeking to grow as a follower of Christ and professionally as minister of the Gospel. He cares for his wife, extended family, and fellow students well.  He is a friend to everyone, and always there to support whoever needs it.”
 
Other Nominees
Levi Gerbitz – Bob Jones University
Caleb Ness – Emmaus University
 
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.