The NAIA launched its new website on Friday, January 27, 2012 (www.naia.org). As part of the new website, JJ Koerber of Jamestown College was featured on the front page of the men's cross country page.

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Story by Amanda Hart, Dakota Wesleyan, NAIA Virtual Intern, Class of 2013

Normally, when we find ourselves facing "a bump in the road" it is something very menial, something that can probably be overcome in a matter of minutes or seconds. We consider it to be a bump in the road simply because it is a small obstacle that keeps us from doing what we want to do at that moment in time. But, this is how Jamestown (N.D.) cross-country runner Joseph "JJ" Koerber describes his recent battle with cancer. It's just a bump in the road; a setback.

The 23-year-old fifth-year senior decided it was time to go see a doctor in June 2011 to get a lump on his left testicle that had been bothering him for some time looked at. After the initial appointment, JJ was referred to a specialist in Fargo to be examined. Although it appeared to the doctors to only be a built-up calcium deposit, they drew blood to test tumor markers, just to see if there was anything out of the ordinary.

Jamestown College head men's track and field and cross country coach Ed Crawford announced Joshua Knutson of Milnor has signed a Letter of Intent to enroll at Jamestown College next year and participate in track and field and cross country for the Jimmies.

At Milnor High School, Knutson has participated in the 400 meter dash, 800 meter run, 4x400 relay and 4x800 relay. He has earned the MWL Team Awards for Top Mid-Distance Runner and Top Long Distance Runner.

"I'm very excited to have Joshua get his education at Jamestown and to have him run for our cross country and track and field teams," Crawford said. "He is the kind of young man we are looking for as he is a fantastic student in the classroom and has tons of potential to become a very good middle distance runner. We have a great tradition of middle distance runners here and feel like Joshua will help us continue that."

Knutson, the son of Greg and Robin Knutson, has also been active in basketball, speech, and one-acts. He plans to major in communication at Jamestown College.