Former Niles standout Madie Rodts is helping lead Grand Valley State University toward another national cross country championship.

Rodts, a junior, helped the Lakers win the 2012 NCAA Division II Cross Country championship with a time of 21:25.8.

Rodts finished 12th at the regional meet and almost missed the national finals after undergoing surgery, but recovered in time to not only compete, but finish 42nd overall, just missing out on All-American honors.

She did earn all-region and all-academic status in 2012.

So far this season, Rodts has been one of the top runners for the No. 1-ranked Lakers.

She recently earned United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Midwest Region honors by finishing 15th with a time of 22:04.0 on a 6K course.

She was 18th at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships as Grand Valley won its 13th consecutive championship. The regional title was also the 13th straight for the Lakers.

Rodts and Grand Valley is now getting ready to defend its national championship in Spokane, Wash. Nov. 23.