Trace Obbink (Le Mars, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to attend Dordt University and join the Defender men's cross country and track and field programs.  

Obbink is a 5'10" middle distance and distance runner who has competed for the Le Mars Community High School cross country and track and field programs over the last four years. Obbink is a two-time state qualifier in cross country, placing 44th at the state meet last fall, while earning all-conference honors two years. He was named the Des Moines Register Athlete of the Week (Sept.29, 2022). Obbink has lettered three years in track and field heading into his final season this spring. He has qualified for the state track meet in multiple events and finished 19th as a member of the Bulldogs' 4x400 relay last season. Obbink has personal bests of 51.5 in the 400m, 2:01 in the 800m, 4:47 in the mile and 10:21 in the 3200m.

"I am happy Trace has decided to attend Dordt and join our Defender cross country and track and field programs," commented Head Cross Country Coach Nate Wolf. "He is a very versatile athlete, with the ability to race from a 400m to 5,000m very well.  Trace has incredible work ethic and will continue to develop as a runner into his college years.  Trace has the ability to impact our men's team immediately and  I look forward to working with him over the next four years."

Obbink plans to study either sports management or accounting at Dordt. He is the son of T.J. and Christina.

"I chose Dordt because it felt like home when I visited campus," said Obbink. "Everyone was so welcoming on my visit and I know of and competed against several of my future teammates; I am very excited to be part of the Defender cross country and track and field teams as the Dordt campus community."

Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. The Defender athletic program is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA).    

U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,500 students.