By Joey Warren, Athletics Media Relations Director
Men’s cross country, which was discontinued in 2002, has been reinstated for the 2010-2011 academic year, becoming the 11th sport sponsored by ASU. The addition fulfills the NCAA requirement that each school sponsor at least one men’s and women’s sport in the three seasons of competition—fall, winter, and spring.
“I am extremely excited about this new opportunity to expand our program,” says head cross country coach Adam Ward. “I think with the talent in the CSRA and surrounding areas, we could develop a competitive men’s team. It is my hope to develop this program into a national-caliber program, just as we have tried to do with our women’s program. I know it will take time, but with the support of our administration, university, and community, I know we can continue to build a great tradition in distance running at ASU.”
ASU will be the ninth Peach Belt Conference team to sponsor men’s cross country, joining six institutions that competed in 2008—Columbus State, Clayton State, Francis Marion, Georgia College & State, North Georgia, and UNC Pembroke, along with PBC newcomer Flagler. Armstrong Atlantic State announced it will also reinstate its men’s program.
Under Ward’s direction, the Jaguar women’s cross country program has enjoyed unprecedented success. ASU has posted four consecutive top-three finishes in the PBC Championships, including three straight runner-up showings. The Jags also have advanced to the NCAA Regional in three consecutive seasons.
Ward has been named the PBC Coach-Of-The-Year in three consecutive seasons dating back to 2006, and he has mentored 12 all-conference selections, one all-region pick, and three academic all-region selections.
Jun 30, 2009
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