TCS Alumni Finishes In Top Ten At Western States 100

By Samantha DePriest

“There are only two races in the world that carry the kind of legacy and weight that Western States 100 does - the other is UTMB in France. Just to be at the starting line at Western States is an honor. To compete is a dream come true.” TCS Class of 2018 alumni Hans Troyer won the golden ticket to compete in the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run on June 27, 2025 in California. It is the world’s oldest 100 mile trail race with the first race held back in 1974 and has become known as one of the most competitive endurance tests on the planet.

In the wee hours of the morning, the race kicks off in Olympic Valley and finishes 100 miles away in Auburn. The trail is not for the faint at heart with climbs over 18,000 feet up relentless hills and through freezing cold streams in the hot summer sun. This ultimate challenge has been on Hans’ bucket list for quite some time. And like most success stories, there are many chapters and various obstacles to overcome. God is writing a beautiful story of hope, faith, and love in Hans’ life with a growing community cheering him on each step of the journey..

“The Kid”

In the weeks leading up to the Western States 100, Hans hosted a special night back at his alma mater for family and friends. On Friday, June 13th Hans returned home to TCS to host an official premiere of a documentary “The Kid”. Hyperlyte, Hans’ hydration nutrition sponsor, produced the film about his journey to Western States 100. He was so grateful for all of the support and getting a chance to share his story.

TCS cross country coach and Bible teacher Mr. Ryan Tipton and middle school science teacher Mr. Sandefur were excited to catch up with him and his family. Mr. Tipton and Hans enjoyed sharing laughs about his early days of him running with the Lions. Cross country teammates from Augusta University also made the trip to watch the film. Members of the current TCS cross country team joined for the special event and left inspired and eager to hit the trails. Let’s call it “the Hans effect”,.

“The Kid” gives viewers a peak inside the mind and body of Hans Troyer. While the film is not yet rated, it is appropriate for all ages and an inspiring story of determination and grit. Throughout the film, Hans and his family give glory to God through both his achievements and his shortcomings.

The Kid

Western States 100: A Day to Remember

As the youngest male in the field of 370 runners, the Western States 100 was a chance for Hans to measure himself against the very best. A star-studded lineup reminded him that this race was truly a championship event.. He went on to share that Western States 100 wasn’t a qualifier race but rather about racing with guts, gratitude, and the belief that anything could happen.

Hans shared, “From the start, the race was fast. I was in a pack of 15 runners that held together tightly. It was thrilling. At mile 30, the race began to fracture. He made his first mistake—not something huge, but enough to feel it. Still, by mile 35, he could see the leaders. He surged forward, took the lead for a mile, even paused for a quick bathroom break.

But the real test came later. Around mile 45–50, we hit the canyons with steep climbs, brutal descents, and a relentless heat that scorched the trail and my quads. It was my lowest point.” Doubt began to creep in. Would he even finish?

“Then came Forest Hill at mile 62. Thousands of people lined the course and among them, his crew. Their cheers and energy lit a fire. Something clicked and I went into "Top 10 mode." This was about fighting for a place at the top and securing an automatic entry into next year.”

The final 25 miles were brutal with overheating, spent quads, exhaustion like he'd never known. The last 15 miles admiteddly included some walking. But he remembered the Black Canyon race where he learned the price of pushing his body to unhealthy limits. He learned from that pain and knew his limits.

By mile 90, his body felt like it was shutting down so he prayed harder with every step he took. And just over 16 hours after starting the race of a lifetime, he crossed the finish line healthy and grateful and in the top 10. Waiting for him were his parents, his little brother, his wife Grace, a friend Kai, his Hyperlyte sponsor team, and Faith, fellow runner from TCS. A crew and family full of love and support. He shared that he couldn’t have done it without them and is already excited to compete next year.

The Trinity Way

Hans Troyer accompanied by his mom, Peggy Troyer, after placing 8th in the 2025 Western States.
Image from Peggy Troyer.

“TCS believes that having healthy relationships with parents and local churches is paramount to the foundation of an effective Christian school.” When asked how TCS came alongside their family and helped to shape who Hans is today, Hans’ mom Peggy Troyer shared, “We knew we wanted to raise our children to know the Lord and did not want to place them in public school. TCS reinforced our teaching at home, taught him scripture, and he developed great friendships too.”

Peggy went on to share, “Hans has a deep desire to be close to God. He is striving to be the best elite runner which is so demanding of his body’s capability, and he spends hours running. This allows him to think clearly and talk to God. Hans knows that God has given him a gift and he wants to give Him the praise for that gift.“

“We are so proud of each of our boys and their accomplishments. It is amazing to see Hans as a young man doing what he loves, allowing his light to shine, and giving God thanks!”