Cornerstone’s Jason Schalk Named WHAC Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
Cornerstone University celebrates Associate Head Coach Jason Schalk, named Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year after leading the Golden Eagles Men’s Cross Country team to a conference championship this season.
“I’m grateful for the honor,” Schalk said. “I’m proud of this team — their discipline in training, the way they served each other, and their Christ-centered focus all season.”
Cornerstone secured the WHAC Championship with a strong team performance, placing runners third, fourth and fifth to claim the program’s fourth conference title in the past six years and an automatic spot in the NAIA National Championship.
“Coach Schalk leads with a clear Christ-centered mission that inspired the winning results and Coach of the Year honor this season,” said Jessica Yonkers, director of athletics. “His example of discipline, training, consistency and focus is evident in the team’s accomplishments this year. Cornerstone University is proud of Coach Schalk and the entire team.”
The Golden Eagles placed multiple runners on the All-Conference teams, including three First Team selections. Freshman Kort Thompson was named WHAC Newcomer of the Year, adding to the team’s overall performance this season.
The WHAC, part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), brings together institutions across the Midwest and emphasizes both competitive excellence and character development — highlighting values such as integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. That focus aligns closely with Cornerstone’s approach, where athletics is an opportunity to grow as academically excellent competitors while developing Christ-centered character, leadership, and a commitment to serving others as part of their career preparation.
Schalk, associate head coach of Cross Country and Track & Field, brings 23 years of coaching experience across middle school, high school, and collegiate programs. His leadership has helped guide a program that has now captured four WHAC titles in the past six years.
The WHAC postseason honors are voted on by conference coaches and recognize performance across the season, along with academic and character distinctions.
For more information about Cornerstone University’s NAIA award-winning sports teams and 65-plus Christ-centered degree programs, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu.
