Spring Arbor University’s Dean Reynolds is one of the Cougars’ most accomplished runners in school history, winning a national championship outdoors in the 4x800 relay (watch here) in 2023 in arguably one of the most epic races to the line in meet history. He was a multi-time Crossroads League champion in events ranging from the 4x400 relay to the 4x800 and 1500, and he was the 2024 League cross country runner-up. Part of nationally top-ranked relays throughout his collegiate career, he holds school records in the 4x800 indoors and outdoors, the DMR, and has top-five school performances in the 800, 1000, mile, 4x400, and is even top ten in the 3K. Dean ends his career as an 8-time NAIA track All-American in the 800, 1000, 1500, DMR, and 4x800. Before Dean arrived at SAU, he had a fantastic high school career for Hanover Horton High School, finishing 5th at Michigan’s D3 cross country state meet, winning all but one meet his senior year prior to states. He was an 800-meter state champion on the track in 1:55, as well.

Despite all his success, Dean will be the first one to tell you that his faith comes first. When a serious medical incident at the national meet prevented him from racing as one of the top-ranked athletes, he had to step back and take stock of what mattered, how to deal with disappointment and frustration, and what lessons he believed God was teaching him in those moments. He’s also had to navigate the end of his collegiate career and the grieving process and loss of identity that can entail, which is something many athletes are not prepared for. I have had the privilege of knowing Dean personally, as he was one of my son’s teammates, and he was a major factor in my son deciding to attend Spring Arbor. Dean has a lot of great wisdom to share. His perspective on life, his growth as both a person and an athlete, and his dedication to his physical, spiritual, and mental health will hopefully inspire you to live with purpose and integrity.

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