Kristopher Koster began as men’s and women’s cross country coach at Kalamazoo College July 1, 2014.

Koster came to Kalamazoo from Grand Rapids Christian High School where he has served as Head Boys’ Track and Field Coach since 2013.  Koster has also served as Assistant Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field Coach since 2006 and Assistant Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Coach since 2004.  During his years with Grand Rapids Christian, the Eagle girls won cross country state championships in 2005, 2006, 2010, and 2013.

Koster graduated from Calvin College in 2005 with degrees in History and Religion.  Koster was a member of Calvin’s cross country and track and field teams for four years.  During those years, Koster helped Calvin win NCAA III Cross Country national championships in 2000 and 2003.  Calvin finished runner-up in 2001 and 2002.

Koster earned All-MIAA honors four years in cross country and during his senior year of track and field.  He garnered All-American honors three times: once in cross country and twice in track and field.

“I’m really grateful that Kalamazoo College has entrusted me with its cross country program,” said Koster.  “Meeting the team during my interview confirmed what I had always heard and read about K: that students here are engaged, insightful, and independent thinkers, eager to throw themselves headlong into the communities they find here at K and around the rest of the world.  Those are just the sort of committed people who make great runners.  I’m looking forward to ensuring that cross country remains a gratifying part of their experience at K and that our team lives up to the college’s motto to ‘Be light.’”

When he’s not at meets and practices, Koster enjoys traveling up north and out west with his wife, Sarah, reading about anything from U.S. history to theology to running, listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio, and spending time on trails in the woods. He lives in Grand Rapids.