Reading Senior Brendan Stump signs with North Park University

The Reading Rangers are saying farewell to another senior class this May. With every senior class, there are several students who graduate with the hopes to pursue collegiate academics and athletics. Reading's own Brendan Stump joined the list of Rangers who have followed this path post-graduation. The senior cross country and track runner signed a national letter of intent to attend North Park University in Chicago. Stump will look to compete in long distance events for the track team and the cross country team.

Stump was joined by his parents – Kurt and Kendra Stump – and coaches Kellie DeSchutter and Barrie Gostlin. Brendan Stump continues his journey further into a sport he recently fully committed to. Stump's journey to his signing day has seen many familiar twists and turns that have become a part of the recent senior class members across the state of Michigan and the United States.

Running has always been a part of Stump and his family. Kurt Stump is the current girls track and field coach at Reading and has been a cross country and boys track coach in the past. Brendan had been a part of running teams since he could join. However, he had not practiced long distance until the past couple years. After losing a season of track and field due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Brendan had shifted his athletic commitments to tackling long distance events. After his junior season of track and field and competing in long distance events, Brendan Stump transitioned from Fall football to Cross Country for his senior season.

Stump had always wanted to pursue collegiate athletics, but it was something that hadn't been decided upon yet.

"He had always wanted to go to college for athletics but couldn’t figure out what it would be for, and he figured out running was what he wanted to do and he went full steam ahead," said Kurt Stump.

This past season of track was one of the turning points for Brendan in deciding that running was the sport he wanted to pursue for collegiate athletics.

"There were a lot of things that went into it," said Brendan Stump. "Last spring, track really felt like the place I fit in and then I started doing distance. That's when it really came together."

Brendan began putting his times for his running events into the NCSA recruiting services. Soon after, several schools had reached out to Brendan to pursue a recruiting opportunity. Brendan and his family visited and talked with multiple schools in Ohio and schools like Concordia-Ann Arbor and Indiana Tech.

North Park University became Brendan and his family's number one choice after a visit they took this January. Situated north of Chicago, North Park offered the smaller college atmosphere he was looking for while providing many opportunities for his educational career.

"The campus is really nice and it's small," said Kendra Stump. "Brendan wasn't look for a big university and the campus fit him perfectly."

The Stumps got to meet the running coaches and teams at the university. They were impressed not only with the program, but the commitment the coaches had for their student-athletes both on the track and in the classroom.

Brendan will look to pursue a career in education at North Park, specifically in History. He looks forward to the many challenges that await him once he starts attending the university.

"North Park is in a big city and offers a lot of career opportunities," said Brendan. "There’s a lot of challenges from going to North Park from Reading, but I’m looking forward to facing those things. I hope to follow an educational career, specifically in history. I also would like to eventually coach."

Kurt and Kendra Stump both expressed how proud they were of Brendan and his decision to pursue collegiate academics and athletics. They are looking forward to his future endeavors both in the classroom and on the track. "We are extremely proud of him," said Kurt Stump. "He has worked so hard to get to this point, and to see it come to fruition is special."

“He’s put himself out there and has worked hard to be here," said Kendra Stump. "We couldn’t be more proud of him."

Before Brendan heads out to North Park University, the senior Ranger will finish his track and field season with the Rangers. After having his cross country season cut short due to potential illness, he wants to end his high school career on a high note with his team and coaches.

"I'm going to miss the team and coaches here at Reading. I want to thank my coaches for the fun seasons and for being there whenever I needed someone to talk to. This school has been great and has given me many opportunities."

Brendan's commitment to the teams at Reading has been seen not only by his parents, but his coaches as well. Track coach Barrie Gostlin says that Brendan has developed a lot over the last four years, and that's a testament the work he has put in and his drive to continually improve.

"He’s had a great senior season so far and I think he really started to build momentum during the cross-country season," said Barrie Gostlin. "He stayed consistent with his training between seasons and has been a major contributor in our distance crew. We will miss him a lot, but could not be more excited for him as he continues his academic and athletic career at the collegiate level."

Even in one season for the cross country program, coach Kellie DeSchutter says that Brendan was an excellent addition to the team and his enthusiasm helped lead himself and the team to push for better results.

"Brendan Stump was a new addition to the Reading Varsity Cross Country team this past fall," said Kellie DeSchutter. "He was an excellent addition to the boys' team and showed progress throughout the season earning numerous PRs and ending with a season best of 21:54. Brendan is enthusiastic about running and is always looking to improve himself. During the XC season, he consistently worked to hit his goal times during practices and meets. Our team wishes him success in the future both athletically and academically."

As his journey at Reading comes to an end, Brendan believes his parents were the greatest influence helping him reach this point and accomplish his goals. "I want to thank my parents for encouraging me and pushing me to motivate myself," said Brendan.

North Park University is an NCAA DIII school, and Brendan's academic conference accolades and accomplishments helped him earn an academic scholarship.

North Park is a private Christian university that offers several educational schools in studies such as Arts, Sciences, Education, Music and Professional Studies. The Vikings currently compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. They offer other sports such as football, basketball, golf, soccer, volleyball and rowing.

The school has had success on the basketball court, earning five Men's NCAA DIII National Championships since 1978. Alex Rosenau is the current men's cross country head coach and is an assistant track and field coach. Bisrat Kidane is the current men's track and field head coach.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Brendan Stump will continue running career at North Park University