WINONA LAKE – Tyler Houvener has decided to continue his running career at Grace College.

The WCHS senior is a standout Tiger who runs both cross country and track.

Houvener was a state qualifier in cross country and helped the Tigers to a 12th-place finish as a team in the state race this fall.

“My parents both attended Grace, so I knew it was a great place,” Houvener said. “I wanted to go to a Christian college that was close to home and also push myself athletically to maximize my potential.”

Houvener, this spring,  has anchored the Tigers’ 4×800-meter relay team that ranks in the top 25 of the state. He has earned All-Conference honors in track and has a PR of 4:37 in the mile.

“It’s great to have a runner of Tyler’s caliber join our program, but I’m equally excited about his character and how he will fit in with our other student-athletes,” said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. “He comes from a very good program and has been well-coached, so I know he can make an impact for us.”

Apart from running, Houvener was a member of Warsaw’s National Honor Society. Houvener, who is the son of James and Grace Houvener, hopes to major in biomedical engineering.

“Tyler Houvener has been a consistent runner over his four years for Warsaw,” said Warsaw boys track coach Matt Thacker. “He has become a great leader as a senior and anchors our 4×800 team. He is an extremely hard worker and humble young man who will do great things at Grace College.”