Mid-America Christian University Athletics is proud to announce Merritt Suenram as the new head coach of the re-established men’s and women’s cross-country teams. Suenram will be taking over a cross country program that previously competed in the Sooner Athletic Conference, NAIA, and NCCAA from 2008-10.
“We are ecstatic to have Merritt joining the MACU family,” said MACU Athletic Director Marcus Moeller. “His extensive knowledge of cross country, track, and training is impressive, but more importantly, he has a heart set on using athletics as a ministry. We look forward to watching Merritt build and shape this program!”
Suenram previously served as a teacher at Newcastle Middle School and currently serves as the youth minister at Council Road Baptist Church in Bethany, Oklahoma. At Newcastle Middle School, Suenram was the head coach of the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams and the assistant coach for the high school team in 2021.
In 2019, Suenram founded Elite Running, a program that coached, developed, and mentored 22 athletes across Oklahoma, six of whom earned cross country collegiate scholarships. As a cross country and track & field student-athlete, Suenram competed for Southern Nazarene University, an NCAA Division II program in Bethany, where he earned several Great American Conference academic awards while primarily competing in the 800-meter run and 4×400-meter relay.
“Merritt has a deep desire to serve the Lord and minister,” said SNU cross country head coach Billy Miller. “He loves coaching and teaching. I knew he would go into coaching one day and has been and will continue to be successful. I am very proud and happy for Coach Suenram!”
Suenram graduated from Southern Nazarene in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
“Throughout my life, God has used the gift of running to give me opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have had,” said Suenram. “I can’t wait to partner with MACU and offer similar opportunities to future students!”
Suenram will take the reins immediately as the Evangels start competition in the fall of 2023. Recruiting for the fall 2023 season is underway, and interested runners can contact Coach Suenram at [email protected]. Scholarships are available.