Spring Classic dodges rain, brings delight

The 28th edition of the Calvin Spring Classic 5K run/walk and Karen Muyskens Family Fun Run was a delightful success. The rain held off for the Saturday, April 29, morning run and more than 1,100 participants enjoyed the exercise, competition, camaraderie and prizes.

Calvin assistant cross-country coach Rob Hyde ’97 won the race— his second overall victory at the Spring Classic—while the women’s champion was Madelyn Frens.

Alumnus Jeff Yonker ’87 took home the handcycle division championship. The Virtual Race winners were Tyler ’06 and Jenny Zylstra Zwagerman ’08 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Once again, many corporate and organizational sponsors contributed to the event, particularly title sponsors Aspen Investment Management, Inc., led by a trio of Calvin grads: Bill Alphenaar ’78, Rich Knoor ’92 and Brian Hoogland ’80.

Some corporate partners find creative ways to be involved in the race, such as the varieties of coffee provided pre-race by alumni-owned Schuil Coffee Company and the post-race energy replacement Dutch chocolate milk from Country Dairy.

Smaller children could participate in the Karen Muyskens Family Fun Run that took place in the Huizenga Indoor Tennis and Track Center, and was organized by the staff at corporate partner Gymco.

All Spring Classic proceeds go to student scholarships at Calvin, administered by the alumni association. Approximately $20,000 was added to scholarship coffers because of the event and the support of participants and partners.